Nairobi, 01 December, 2020 / 10:28 pm (ACI Africa).
On the occasion of World AIDS Day marked December 1 since 1988, members of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) in Africa have, in a collective statement, expressed solidarity “with all the people living with HIV” amid the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
In the statement issued December 1 by the leadership of the Jesuit Conference of Africa and Madagascar (JCAM), the members of the Clergy and their collaborators describe the coronavirus pandemic as “an added burden for people living with HIV” in Africa.
“The Society of Jesus (Jesuits and collaborators) in Africa and Madagascar (JCAM) stand in solidarity with all the people living with HIV (PLHIV)” the Jesuits say on the day dedicated to raising awareness about the AIDS pandemic caused by the spread of HIV infection and mourning those who have died of the disease.
They add in reference to HIV, “We remember all those who have lost their lives to the virus. May their souls rest in peace.”
“This year’s commemoration occurs in a particular context. The whole world is profoundly affected by the coronavirus pandemic, which has disrupted health systems and severely impacted lives, in particular those who are already subjected to some underlying conditions including HIV/AIDS,” JCAM members further say.