Every 1st December, World AIDS Day is observed worldwide. Some might wonder why, despite over 40 years since the first reported AIDS cases and major advances in medical research and treatment that allow people with HIV to live long and healthy lives, HIV and AIDS remains a persistent global public health challenge.
In Taiwan, a total of 46,718 HIV cases have been reported since the first case in 1984. Although new cases had been declining since 2017, the Taiwan Centre for Disease Control (CDC) recently reported a rise in cases in the first seven months of 2024—the first increase in six years.
To address these ongoing challenges, the Taiwan government has made progress in their policies to protect the rights and dignity of people living with HIV and AIDS, as well as in expanding access to HIV-related services such as education, anonymous testing, and treatment. In August of this year, the Taiwan CDC took a positive step by launching a support programme for foreigners diagnosed with HIV in Taiwan, aimed at assisting those who do not qualify for government subsidies. Previously, foreign patients were required to pay for antiretroviral treatment for the first two years before becoming eligible for free treatment under the National Health Insurance. Now, thanks to this programme, foreigners can receive free treatment immediately, just like locals. This relieves the financial burden for many foreigners who cannot afford the medication.
However, stigma and discrimination remain significant barriers to prevention and treatment. Stigma discourages at-risk individuals from testing and prevents those who are HIV-positive from accessing services.
World AIDS Day serves as a reminder that HIV remains a pressing concern. There is an urgent need to prevent the spread of the virus, increase awareness of the impact of HIV on people’s lives, fight stigma and discrimination, and improve the quality of life for people living with HIV.
In my ministry work, I have been recently collaborating with migrant centres and parishes, to facilitate and promote our third art competition for World AIDS Day as part of our ongoing HIV awareness and education campaign in the Hsinchu diocese. This year’s theme, ‘Compassion in Action: Breaking Barriers to End HIV-Stigma’, set to culminate on 1st December has inspired participants from migrant and immigrant communities to share their artistic messages of hope.
I am truly humbled and inspired by the response and support we have received since we began our campaign several years ago. My heart is filled with gratitude in experiencing God’s unwavering presence in every person I worked with and have encountered throughout the whole experience. I pray that the Holy Spirit continue to guide us in building a community of hope where each person is able to live with dignity and love.
Compassionate and Merciful God,
We lift our prayers to You for the millions of people living with and affected by HIV and AIDS.
We thank You, O Lord, for progress in HIV prevention and treatment.
We ask for Your Grace to persevere, because more is needed to prevent the spread of HIV and to make treatment accessible to all until we find a cure.
May we follow Jesus’ example of compassion and advocacy for justice as we commit ourselves to working for a world free from stigma and discrimination, where all may live with dignity and love.
We offer this prayer, trusting in Your unfailing love and mercy.
Amen.
Adapted from the community prayer for the AIDS Candlelight Memorial observed in May 2024