By Holy See Mission
Statement by H.E. Archbishop Celestino
Migliore
Apostolic Nuncio, Permanent Observer of the Holy See
62nd Session of the UN General Assembly
High-level meeting on a comprehensive review of
the progress achieved in realizing the Declaration of Commitment on
HIV/AIDS and the Political Declaration on HIV/AIDS
New York, 12 June 2008Mr. President,
We come together to review the 2001 Declaration of
commitment on HIV/AIDS and the 2006 Political Declaration on HIV/AIDS, and, as
the Secretary General’s report notes, clearly progress has been made, yet a
great deal of work remains. One development of note is the improvement in
containing the pandemic and opening a window of hope such that, in the near
future, greater numbers of people will survive HIV infections and commitment to
caring for the sick will not only persist but increase.
In light of the “Political Declaration on HIV/AIDS”
adopted by the General Assembly on 15 June 2006, I would like to report on the
commitment of the Holy See and its various bodies around the world to address
those living with and affected by HIV and AIDS.
The Holy See, through the “Good Samaritan
Foundation,” an organization founded for the purpose of giving immediate
economic assistance to Medical Institutions, has provided approximately one half
million dollars for the purchase of anti-retroviral medicine.
At the national level, the Bishops’ Conferences
have developed and promoted greater awareness and programs to assist in the
struggle against this pandemic, especially in developing countries and among the
most marginalized populations. For example, in India alone, more than 100
centers that offer treatment, care and support to AIDS patients have been put in
place. Soon, in addition to these institutions, another 45 centers will open in
rural and isolated areas. The Bishops’ Conference in the United States through
“Catholic Relief Services” supports approximately 250 projects in the poorest
countries, a figure that in 2007 amounted to over $120 million in assistance.
At the international level, the Holy See through
its various institutions is present in all continents of the world, providing
education, treatment, care and support regardless of race, nationality or creed.
With the assistance of ten thousand workers and volunteers, they have reached
almost four million people with awareness raising and life saving education
programs. Further, they provide medical and nutritional care and support to
almost 350,000 people living with HIV/AIDS and anti-retroviral treatment to over
90,000 men, women and children. One third of this assistance is provided
completely free of charge.
We are also acutely aware that a significant number
of deaths of those infected by HIV/AIDS are a result of HIV/AIDS related
infections and diseases such as tuberculosis and malaria. In this regard, we
support and encourage all those who focus upon and work to reduce the number of
TB infections and the devastating effects of malaria. Often these diseases go
unnoticed and programs are underfunded. Greater efforts must be made to address them.
Finally, the Holy See and its various institutions
continue to support greater access to affordable, reliable and life-saving HIV
testing, anti-retroviral treatment, preventative mother-to-child drug regiments
and diagnostic technologies such as CD4 testing devices. Along with access to
basic health care and sustainable nutrition, these technological advancements
can slowly close the gap between what is possible and what is necessary.
Mr. President,
We come here today to review our progress, but more
importantly, we must renew our commitment to taking necessary life-saving
action. The Holy See and its various organizations remain committed to address
this pandemic in a caring and compassionate manner in order to encourage greater
solidarity for all members of our society and to promote the inherent dignity of
the human person in all areas of life.
Thank you, Mr. President.
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