COMBAT HIV/AIDS, MALARIA AND OTHER DISEASES...

Malaria together with HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis is one of the main challenges for the public health. It undermines the development of the poorest countries of the world. Malaria kills an African child each 30 seconds. The impact of AIDS is seen beyond the personal and familiar level, because it threatens the communities or even the whole countries’ stability. The AIDS epidemic will soon become one of the most lethal diseases the mankind has ever faced. Peace and development won’t be possible until we halt the epidemic. HIV and tuberculosis are a lethal combination, each one accelerating the advance of the other and attacking the immunological system of the patient. In general, a third part of the worldwide population is infected by tuberculosis and between 5% and 10% of the infected people could get sick or infect their people along their life.

There are proven ways to halt these diseases; methods for controlling and preventing tuberculosis and malaria were developed and tested with efficacy in many countries. In Madagascar the Vincentian Family is working effectively in the “Fight against Malaria”: the VMY members participate in information and formation campaigns, in some visits to homes to identify people’s needs, etc. Uganda and Thailand have shown to the world that it is possible to brake or even to beat the HIV virus offering people hope and advice. St. Egidio Community is offering a similar aid in an ecclesial level. With its program “DREAM”, implemented mainly in Africa, and working together with the Daughters of Charity of Mozambique and Nigeria, It is possible that pregnant women who are HIV-positive do not transmit the virus to their newborns! It is only necessary to make a big effort and to show solidarity.

To treat these diseases it is important to have an integral viewpoint, in order to comprise the education as well as the treatment. If countries work on that seriously, they could be able to avoid the spread of HIV. Nowadays, the world has the necessary financial resources and the practical knowledge to win the fight in the health campo, a necessary step to achieve the development of the poorest countries. Will and generous hands are needed!

For the personal reflection:

1. - Do the members of your group know your country or poorer countries’ situation with reference to AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis’ advance? What do you think about this situation?

2. - Are you involved in any project to attack integrally these diseases? Do you know if VMY in your country is involved in this kind of projects? If you do, we invite you to send us information about it or to share your experience with us.

3. - Do you think your group is able to collaborate in the combat against AIDS, malaria, and tuberculosis? Could you specify?

Dorys Castillo,

VMY International Council.

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