Catholic Health Association of India (CHAI) along with the CBCI Office for Health Care organized a two day Consultation for those who are caring for Children infected and affected by HIV. The Catholic Church is a leader and pioneer in responding to the needs of HIV infected persons across the country from the very begininng of the HIV /AIDS epidemic in India. Now as the national programs and efforts of the Government and NGOs are showing significant reduction in new infections and better quality of life and longevity for those who are infected (thanks to Anti Retroviral Treatment), the focus is getting shifted to the complex needs of the children who are surviving. The children are growing up into adolescents and their needs are becoming increasingly challenging to be met with.
In this context, with the support of Misereor, Germany, CHAI conducted a national level consultation with its member institutions who are working for the cause on 29th August 2017 at CHAI central office, Secunderabad with the objectives to understand the situation of Adolescents and children infected and affected with HIV and to facilitate Networking among the member institutions catering service CLHIVs. Totally 48 participants from 38 organizations of 14 states participated in the consultation workshop, which was facilitated by Fr Mathew Abraham, Director General CHAI.
Fr. Mathew Perumpil, CBCI Secretary for the Health Office shared his pioneering efforts in the care of HIV infected children and the enormous challenges the society faces in guiding these children to a respectable future. He invited the participants to focus on the changing landscape of care needs that are more complex as they are getting older and come out with some workable strategies. It is important that we share and network with each other to find a way to help these children build a better future. It is a great opportunity and challenge for the Church to respond creatively to a critical need of the country.