Much before the appearance of Covid-19 pandemic, another untamed and life-threatening pandemic is still on the rampage and devastating an entire generation and families for almost 40 years. It attacks primarily the immune system and interferes with the body´s ability to defend itself against pathogens. Pathogens bring disease and sickness to its host. The body can fight off many pathogens, but not all. Living life with HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) disease is not easy. It causes great damage to the patient’s personality, and he or she suffers physically, mentally, emotionally and, even more, spiritually. Spiritual neglect in the sickness can be fatal and ruin life.
According to the Statistics of the World Health Organization, HIV/AIDS continues to be one of the major causes of death having claimed globally almost 33 million lives. There are around 38 million people infected with HIV. Thanks to the concerted global efforts and support, coverage of medical services has been increasing and improving. Many of the patients including children receive lifelong antiretroviral therapy. Due to these humanitarian efforts and medical attention, HIV infection has become a manageable chronic health problem, at the same time enabling them to participate in social and economic life and to live long and healthy lives. However, not all have access to HIV testing, treatment and health care services, especially the new-born babies and mothers. This year is exceptionally more challenging due to the additional major health hazard the Covid-19-pandemic. Many HIV prevention, testing and care services are disrupted due to the already exhausted and fragile healthcare systems.
Another side of the disease is that those with HIV continue to face stigma and discrimination even today. They are denied job opportunities, have to vacate their residences and flats, limit their social contacts and forced into isolation. Some others wrongly consider HIV/AIDS as a chastisement from God. These people surely nurture a false notion of God; certainly, God is not vindictive but a merciful one. The red ribbon symbolizes acceptance and support for the people living with the HIV/AIDS and for those who have lost their lives fighting against the virus.
Many healthcare communities and Christian religious institutions are providing help and solace for HIV/AIDS patients. There has been great progress also in handling and dealing with such cases.
Since HIV is largely a behaviourally transmitted epidemic, one way to diminish the number of infections is through behavioural modifications. If we want to reduce and control the spread of HIV/AIDS, then it can be possible through conscious human behaviour, by changing our attitude and moral conduct.
To combat HIV/AIDS strict enforcements were levied. The enforcements speak of self-imposed moral principles from within against promiscuity and free-sex. The use of condoms and needles alone will not bring a decline in new infections of HIV. The struggle against the pandemic cannot be conquered by mere distribution and recommendations of prophylactics.
An ethical and spiritual approach strengthens the inner power in persons in order to withstand the inducements. The studies conducted in various parts of Africa and the Western world show that HIV cases decline when the number of multiple and concurrent sexual partnerships have been avoided and when people practise a faithful and constant relationship with their partners. It will surely require time until individuals have learned again the principles and values of marital faithfulness and commitment. The Catholic Church teaching has remained unchanged on this subject. She rejects the use of condoms and appeals for an authentic life with abstinence. The Church position is not unrealistic and ineffective in its fight against AIDS. It shows success and improvement among those who follow it and live up to it. She is no doubt second to none in treating and housing so many AIDS victims worldwide and especially the children. The values, which the Church advocates are not the same as that of the world. A sheer fixation on the use of condoms as a mode of prevention of the infections implies a banalization and commercialisation of sexuality. The God-given gift of sexuality as understood by the Church is an expression of real human love between man and woman. In fighting against the AIDS-pandemic, she is fighting also against the negative conception of sexuality and sexual exploitation of innocents, and simultaneously safeguarding her teaching on dignity of the person, love and marriage.
