HIV/AIDS

The HIV/AIDS pandemic is the greatest health and social crisis in human history. 67% of all people living with HIV reside in sub-Saharan Africa. By the year 2010, the United Nations estimates a staggering 15 million children living in sub-Saharan Africa will be orphaned by AIDS.

There is an urgent need for the Church to respond to the HIV/AIDS crisis. The dire circumstances found within HIV/AIDS-affected communities are beyond our scope of understanding in North America. We cannot relate to a life expectancy of only 29 years of age. We simply cannot fathom the extent of this devastating disease. This crisis stretches beyond Africa, into Asia and South America.

We can, however, be faithful to our God. As Christians, we have an obligation to respond with compassion to the pandemic that continues each day to grow and spread. We need to act as the hands and feet of Jesus. “For the Lord comforts his people and will have compassion on his afflicted ones” (Isaiah 49:13).

Recommended Reading on HIV/AIDS

28 Stories of AIDS in Africa was inspired by true events witnessed by Globe and Mail reporter Stephanie Nolan on her journey to Malawi in 2002. Through real-life stories, Nolan details her travels across a nation desperate for sustainability. Readers are drawn into the lives of 28 people who are either living with AIDS or whose lives have been affected by the disease. Nolan outlines the challenge, details the facts and opens the eyes of North Americans to the devastation faced by millions each and every day.