Expanding access to HIV treatment globally and strengthening the role of faith-based organizations in the provision of such services will be the focus of a consultation, co-organized by Caritas Internationalis and UNAIDS, to be held in Rome next Tuesday and Wednesday.
“Ensuring 15 million people have access to high quality antiretroviral medicine and care by 2015 will be a critical milestone in reaching everyone in need,” said Dr Luiz Loures, Assistant Secretary General of the United Nations and Deputy Executive Director Programme, UNAIDS.
“But we cannot do it alone. Historically, the services provided by the faith-based community have been a critical contribution to the millions of lives saved and they must be fully involved and engaged in efforts to expand access to HIV services. They have the capacity, the networks, the expertise and the experience. They will be one of our greatest allies in reaching people most in need.”
Dr Julio Montaner, Director, British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Providence Health Care, is among the invited speakers.