Approximately 38 million people live with HIV/AIDS. Almost half of infected adults are women and two and one-half million are children. During 2003, 3 million people died; and an additional 5 million were infected. AIDS is causing terrible suffering, destroying families and undermining entire societies. Astounded by the rich countries' lack of adequate response, Stephen Louis, UN special envoy for AIDS in Africa, says, "It's mass murder by complacency."

MCC addresses the AIDS pandemic in two major ways: through direct service and public policy advocacy. MCC's Generations at Risk program collaborates with partners around the world to care for those living with AIDS and to prevent its spread. The Washington Office provides and encourages advocacy for increased U.S. government funding for global AIDS programs and other policies to address this devastating epidemic.

Where there is a commitment to address the AIDS pandemic, success is possible. In the early 1990s, some 20 percent of sexually active adults in Uganda were estimated to be HIV+. After an initial period of closing their eyes to the tragedy of AIDS, the churches of Uganda took the initiative to care for AIDS sufferers and launch campaigns emphasizing abstinence in singleness and faithfulness in marriage.

As a nation, Uganda began to mobilize against AIDS, resulting in a broad-based effort, with a firm commitment from Uganda's president, that involved religious leaders, community groups and all sectors of society. Because of these efforts, the rate has fallen to around 6 percent today. The Uganda example shows that churches can make a difference, and so can political institutions and international funding.

AIDS can be a troubling issue for Christians because sexual promiscuity is the main reason for its spread. Yet many AIDS sufferers are innocent or unwilling sexual partners. A slim majority of people with the AIDS virus are women and children. In many places, social expectations, economic dependency and physical threats make it almost impossible for women and girls to deny men sex. Wives cannot prevent their husbands' promiscuity or even demand protective measures. In some countries the rape of children is increasing because infected men believe that sex with a virgin will cure AIDS. These are the horrible realities behind the spread of AIDS. The love of Christ extends to all (Matthew 5:43-48). We especially reflect the love of God in Christ when we express active compassion in the midst of the most troubling and desperate areas of human struggle.

Biblical Reflection: Global AIDS