June 25, 2012

Vatican: Pope Wants Free Meds for People With HIV in Africa

Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, the Vatican’s number two official and secretary of state, has called for universal, free access to HIV medications in Africa and for more investments into finding a cure for the virus, The Associated Press (AP) reports. The cardinal spoke on behalf of Pope Benedict XVI at the 8th International Drug Resource Enhancement against AIDS and Malnutrition Conference in Rome, according to Rome Reports. He said that an entire generation cannot be lost to the AIDS epidemic and that the church will continue its work in providing education, food, medicine and care to people with HIV. He made no reference to condoms or the Vatican’s traditional position that abstinence from sex before marriage and fidelity are the best way to prevent HIV.

To read the AP article, click here.

To read the Rome Reports article, click here.

Search: Rome, Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, Vatican, Africa, Pope Benedict XVI, Drug Resource Enhancement against AIDS and Malnutrition Conference, condom

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Previous Comments:

Rich, San Francisco, 2012-06-26 21:10:36
This reminds me of when people offered the native americans education and medications and loose their native way of life. It might look like the church wants to really help but the church will want to have them convert sooner or later. It looks nice on the surface that they really want to help. The people of Africa will be put in a desperate situation, get medications and trade everything that their defferant cultures stand for or die. I feel very sorry for the church

Mark, , 2012-06-26 16:40:56
Is he willing to pay some of the cost. It seems as though his ministry has lots of money!

TallMike2, Philadelphia, 2012-06-26 15:20:01
There are people on ADAP waiting lists here in the USA. I don't think we should send money elsewhere until our own people can get access to life saving medications. The Vatican owns at least 50% of the Italian economy. Let the pope fund free drugs for Africa, instead of wearing expensive shoes, vestments, and other garments. Take some of the gold off the ceilings and take care of people.

Michael Cortez, Lewiston, 2012-06-26 13:23:46
The Pope's Attempting To Make peace..,I Suggest We Accept. Please Demand At Least (150,000,000.00) One Hundred and Fifty-Million Be Secured In Funding From the Vatican Bank, That then Can Be Matched By IMF And The World Bank. PLEASE SHARE!!

Sheree, Texas, 2012-06-26 12:54:51
are there not people with HIV worldwide who need free meds too???I am tired of all the focus always being on Africa.

Robin, , 2012-06-26 12:42:47
I think that the Pope needs to concern himself with people in the united states before worrying about Africa. HIV meds are expensive for everyone. It takes more money than some of us have in order to get the meds we need to stay healthy.. and they are just going to give them away in Africa.. how about giving them away in the USA!!!

Patty Puline, Erie, PA, 2012-06-26 12:35:54
As a leader in the fight against AIDS for fifteen years, people should know that there is NO cure for a virus, only a VACCINE. There has been much promise with the recent developments in gene therapy for HIV infection. Approaches include immunotherapy such as therapeutic vaccines and adoptive transfer of immune cells. We look forward to EDUCATION and the use of CONDOMS in the real prevention of HIV infection, and of course, AIDS which results from HIV disease progression.

Boluke, Moses Lake Wa, 2012-06-25 17:19:43
Feed the worlds homeless and give em all condoms and then maybe free meds !