NECF Malaysia "For Your Intercession" No. 30 – July 8, 2005www.necf.org.my
HIV-AIDS
Brief Report:
HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus), a virus that is responsible for AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome), is lethal because it attacks the immune system cells and leaves the victim vulnerable to infections, cancers, and neurological disorders. Yet, the unfolding accounts of HIV/AIDS tell us that it is more than just a health problem that threatens human welfare; it affects social order, economic development, and even national security.
Statistics also demonstrate that AIDS epidemic has outpaced global responses despite the years of concerted effort to contain the spread of the virus and to provide treatment. By the end of 2004, the number of people living with HIV worldwide was estimated 39.4 million with 8.2 million living in Asia. In that year alone, there were 3.1 million deaths due to AIDS.
UNAIDS report indicates that Asia must move beyond the current programs and intervention in order to avoid sharp increase in the number of new HIV infections. This, it says, requires strong commitment on financial contribution and political will. The 7th International Congress on AIDS in Asia and the Pacific, held recently in Kobe, Japan, has called for HIV/AIDS be placed high on the political agenda and for an appropriate legislation to protect the rights of the affected people (July 1, 2005).
Lately, the Health Ministry revealed that 64,439 Malaysians were infected between 1986 and 2004 (New Straits Times, June 17). There were 6,427 new cases reported in 2004 alone. The disclosure of an average of 20 new HIV cases every day and the projection of HIV carriers to reach 300,000 by 2015 are alarming. The situation has reached an ‘emergency level,’ says Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi (Jul 3). Facing the impending peril, the Health Ministry has decided on the ‘harm reduction program’ (Jul 3), which involves needle-exchange, condom distribution and drug substitution therapy. The plan to provide free syringes and condoms, however, has drawn criticism from many quarters.
Suggested Prayer Items:
1. For compassion for the people living with HIV and that the Church be a living example of a loving community selflessly reaching out to them
2. For people affected by HIV, especially those who face discrimination and prejudice: for God’s grace and mercy and they will see hope through the Church.
3. For the national program: a comprehensive approach including prevention, intervention, care and treatment.
4. For Health Ministry: wisdom, skills and manpower. Pray for Minister Datuk Dr. Chua Soi Lek and his team for commitment and dedication. For hospitals to be well equipped, for doctors to be well trained, and for medical researchers and specialists, wisdom and skills to find cure.
5. For Government as a team with strong political will and willingness to listen to constructive responses from civil society.
6. For co-operation from civil society and NGOs to engage in planning and implementation of an appropriately planned program.
7. For the society as a whole to pursue morality and purity.
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