Pope Francis: “Millions of persons are living with this disease (HIV/AIDS), and only half of them have access to life-saving therapies. I invite you to pray for them and for their loved ones and to promote solidarity, because even the poorest can benefit from diagnosis and appropriate care. Finally, I call upon all to adopt responsible behavior to prevent further spread of this disease.”
The AIDS epidemic emerged in 1981 when the Centers for Disease Control published the first official reporting on what came to be known as AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). Since then, nearly 76 million people have become infected with HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, and a staggering 33 million people have died from AIDS-related illnesses. Those are statistics that almost make the coronavirus look tame by comparison.
What can we learn from nearly 40 years of the HIV/AIDS pandemic? What can it teach us about our way forward as we continue to confront the coronavirus pandemic? Turns out, a great deal. Three examples are: prevention before infection effectively eliminates the spread of the virus; economic, political, social, and cultural factors can result in differential susceptibility to a virus; and marginalized communities are disproportionately affected.
For much more, take a look at this article from Jesuit priest Fr. Brian Strassburger: https://www.americamagazine.org/politics-society/2020/12/01/lessons-hiv-covid-world-aids-day-239370
Let us pray. ”God of Promise, today we are mindful of our sisters and brothers suffering with HIV and AIDS. We ask your healing presence on millions of people living with the disease today; particularly the children who are infected or who have been orphaned by the disease. Make of us a safe haven for those who are abandoned, discriminated against, and rejected on account of their illness. Inspire us to speak out for a just distribution of health care and medical aid in this country and for generosity in sharing our resources with those struggling under the weight of this epidemic overseas. As we make our Advent journey, waiting in hope for the birth of your Son, let us remember those across the world who wait in hope for a cure. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.”
