(Image courtesy Food For The Hungry)
USA (FH/MNN) ― The scientist who helped discover the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) says a cure for AIDS is in sight.
The possibility of an end to the lethal pandemic is a beacon of hope in advance of a global conference on the disease. The biennial International AIDS Conference held this year in Washington, D.C. begins Sunday. It has not been held in the United States in 22 years.
The United Nations says more than 34 million people worldwide are living with HIV, and around 30 million have died from AIDS-related complications in the three decades since the virus emerged with lethal intensity.
But on July 25, people are getting together to talk solutions. Food for the Hungry U.S. President Dave Evans, and Rick Warren, author of Purpose Driven Life, are meeting in Washington D.C. to participate in a summit about the Christian Faith Community's efforts to treat and reduce AIDS cases throughout the world.
It's an active stance to make the voice of the faith community heard and understood by U.S. and world leaders. The faith community provides 40% of worldwide healthcare and has a large role in combating HIV/AIDS.
Churches provide comfort and support to people who are either infected or affected by HIV/AIDS. In Haiti, Food for the Hungry staff visit isolated people living with HIV/AIDS, providing education and supplies to keep them healthy.
Other work includes education, abstinence programs, and maternal and child health programs. With medical experts making advances to end this disease, please join FH in praying for an AIDS-free generation during the next decade.
Nearly 380,000 youth and adults were reached with messages of healthier choices and behavior change to equip them to protect themselves. This includes encouraging abstinence, faithfulness, and risk reduction for youth and adults. Educational messages are also shared with 1,800 pregnant and lactating women to enable them to deliver and nurture the next HIV-free generation.
Speakers for the summit include Rich Stearns, president of World Vision; Carolyn Woo, president of Catholic Relief Services; and Kay Warren, co-founder of Saddleback Church. They will discuss the important role the faith community plays in global health and in combating HIV/AIDS.
FH comes alongside believers in the local church, helping and equipping them to meet the physical and spiritual needs, share the Gospel, solve problems, and help disciple new Christians in their community.
