Today is World Aids Day. In its 2009 report on the Millennium Development Goals, the United Nations Report sets out the statistics based on 2007 figures received. This demonstrates why HIV/Aids is such a major concern in our world, blighting the well-being of millions. The UN estimates that 33 million people in the world are HIV positive. Each year there are 2.7 million newly infected with HIV. There are 2 million deaths from Aids a year. There are an estimated 15 million children worldwide who have lost one or both parents to Aids. Of these 12 million live in sub-Saharan Africa which is home to 67% of those living with HIV. The UN, noting that these figures, high as they are, are nevertheless indicative that the pandemic has peaked, points to the importance of education about HIV/Aids among 15-24 year olds. The report notes that in sub-Saharan Africa only 31% of young men and 19% of young women have a thorough and accurate understanding of how the disease is contracted. This falls well short of the 95% figure that the UN had hoped to have been achieved by 2010. The Christian response to those with HIV/Aids needs to be one of engaged, intentional compassion. Just as Jesus stretched out his hand and offered God's healing to lepers, so Christians are called to be involved in combating the ravaging impact of HIV which affects the lives of so many in so many harrowing ways. One practical way in which St Peter's and other churches in Leicestershire can get involved is in supporting an orphanage for 51 boys and girls in Karur, in our link diocese of Trichy, South India. The orphanage needs just over £9,000 per annum: that works out at £15 per child per month. May God grant us a spirit of generosity and compassion to align our love for Christ with those affected by HIV/Aids. May we pray too for all doctors, nurses, scientists, and teachers involved in the treatment, education, and eradication of HIV.
