Bringing Hope and Healing: How Salesian Missions Fights HIV/AIDS on World AIDS Day
World AIDS Day, observed annually on December 1st, stands as a worldwide call to remember lives lost to AIDS and renew our commitment to ending this pandemic.
World AIDS Day originated at the 1988 World Summit of Ministers of Health on Programs for AIDS Prevention. Every year since then, the international community comes together to raise awareness and advocate for accessible prevention, testing, and treatment, pursuing a future free of AIDS-related deaths and stigma.
This year, UN AIDS highlights the urgent need to address persistent gaps in accessing vital HIV/AIDS services. Globally, nearly 40 million people live with HIV. In 2023, an estimated 1.3 million new HIV infections occurred, reflecting the sobering reality that the world is falling behind in reaching global targets to reduce new infections and AIDS-related deaths. “The urgency of now is that significant gaps remain in access to HIV prevention and treatment services that need to be filled,” states UNAIDS.
Salesian Missions, a U.S. -based organization committed to providing education and assistance to vulnerable children around the world, is proactively engaged in the fight against HIV/AIDS. For nearly a decade, Salesians, inspired by their founder Don Bosco’s belief in education and social justice, have been on the front lines providing HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment services to youth and communities worldwide.
A Holistic Start
One example is Don Bosco Care Home, nestled in the village of Nilavarapatti, India. For almost a decade, this haven has provided a safe haven for children who are living with HIV/AIDS, offering comprehensive care encompassing not only medical treatment. Salesians understand that battling this disease requires more than just medication. Healing encompasses addressing social stigma, promoting unique care designed for children. Salesians at Don Bosco Care Home work to provide a holistic approach to ensure that young people, though their uncertain futures
have been affected by HIV/AIDS, don’t lose sight of hope and normalcy.
They find this in food, educational services, recreational activities and counseling.
The organization’s commitment extends beyond providing medical care, aiming to integrate these young adults back into society. Recently, the government granted approval for the establishment of a special school within the Home, further demonstrating their
commitment to complete care.
Don Bosco Fambul, another Salesian organization, has made a profound impact in Sierra Leone. Situated in Freetown, Don Bosco Fambul stands as one of Sierra Leone’s leading child-welfare providers. Particular attention is given to the Girls Shelter GO+ program, offering vital support to young girls forced into sex work. Some girls within this program are as young as nine years old. Many have experienced violence and sexual abuse, often forced to provide financially for themselves and their families. Don Bosco Fambul’s focus
is to eradicate poverty that undermines deepening solutions.
Father Michael Conway, director of Salesian Missions, emphasizes their mission” The work of Salesian missionaries around the globe goes beyond education to ensure the well-being of our students. Salesians offer medical centers and rural outreach programs to ensure the health of all those we serve. Some of those programs are particularly focused on the treatment of HIV/AIDS to ensure that those who are living in poverty still have access to the medical care they need, even when they cannot afford to pay for it.”
World AIDS Day serves as a solemn reminder of the work yet to be done. But these stories, reflecting Salesian outreach in India and Sierra Leone represent glimmers of hope.
Salesians believe every child deserves a future free from the shackles of disease and poverty.
What specific strategies does Salesian Missions employ to ensure equitable access to HIV prevention, testing, treatment, and care for young people?
## Bringing Hope and Healing: A Conversation with Salesian Missions
**Host:** Welcome back to the show. Today we’re discussing World AIDS Day and the ongoing fight against this global pandemic. Joining us is [Alex Reed name], a spokesperson for Salesian Missions, an organization providing vital support to youth affected by HIV/AIDS. Welcome to the show.
**Alex Reed:** Thank you for having me.
**Host:** Salesian Missions is actively involved in addressing the HIV/AIDS crisis. Can you tell us more about your work, especially in light of this year’s World AIDS Day theme, “Equalize”?
**Alex Reed:** Absolutely. This year’s theme emphasizes the need to ensure everyone has equitable access to HIV prevention, testing, treatment and care. At Salesian Missions, we believe this is crucial. We work in communities worldwide, providing not just medical care, but also social support and education to young people living with HIV/AIDS.
One powerful example is Don Bosco Care Home in Nilavarapatti, India. For nearly a decade, this center has provided a safe space for children affected by HIV/AIDS. It’s more than just a medical facility, it’s a home where children receive comprehensive care. [[1](https://www.aciafrica.org/news/7195/salesian-entity-highlights-medical-care-initiatives-for-youth-with-hivaids-in-africa)]
**Host:** That’s amazing. Can you elaborate on the holistic approach you mentioned?
**Alex Reed:** Certainly. We understand that battling HIV/AIDS requires addressing more than just the physical aspects of the illness. Social stigma can be incredibly isolating for young people. Our programs aim to provide a supportive environment where they can thrive emotionally and socially. We offer counseling, educational workshops, and opportunities for recreation and personal development.
**Host:** This work is truly inspiring. What message do you have for our viewers on this World AIDS Day?
**Alex Reed:** We urge everyone to remember that the fight against HIV/AIDS is far from over. We need to continue raising awareness, advocating for increased access to services, and supporting organizations like Salesian Missions that are working tirelessly on the frontlines. Every individual has a role to play in creating a world free of AIDS.
**Host:** Thank you for sharing your insights and dedication to this important cause.
**Alex Reed:** Thank you for having me.
