On Fear of AIDS Sufferers

Interview With Head of Federation of Medical Associations

BARCELONA, Spain, DEC. 4, 2006 (Zenit.org).- Many people discriminate against AIDS patients "because of an irrational fear," says the president of the World Federation of Catholic Medical Associations.

Dr. Josep Simón Castellvi made that observation in the wake of an appeal by Benedict XVI to the participants in the Nov. 24 international conference organized by the Pontifical Council for Health Care Ministry.

Simón spoke about dealing with AIDS patients in this interview.

Q: The Pope has just requested that AIDS patients not be discriminated against. Does this mean that there are Christians who discriminate against them?

Simón: Indeed, addressing the participants in the recent congress on the pastoral care of infectious diseases, the Pope asked that AIDS patients not be discriminated against.

I think many people discriminate against them because of an irrational fear. It is true that one must take the appropriate measures for each type of pathology, to address contamination from infectious diseases.

However, medicine has already determined that one is not infected with AIDS through conversation, shaking hands or simply riding on a bus with one of these patients. We cannot leave them without support!

Q: Do you think there is a certain obsession with the topic of the condom as a solution to AIDS, without looking at the issue globally?

Simón: I always stress looking at medicine as a harmonious whole. One cannot focus on a problem on an alleged single solution.

Proposals with "zero risk" are always better -- fidelity to a non-infected spouse, abstinence, waiting until marriage -- than those of "lesser risk," as the condom might be for adults.

The first proposals are more in line with our anthropology, the condom isn't. Moreover, in adolescents it represents a real increase in the risk because of the false sense of security generated.

Q: Twenty-five percent of AIDS patients are cared for by institutions of the Church. Is this ecclesial commitment against AIDS known?

Simón: Where medicine is not a business, such as in sub-Saharan Africa, the Church is present with her love and professionalism treating patients and looking after orphans and others who are affected.

Q: What is the Church's answer to this pandemic?

Simón: The Church trusts in God and in medicine. She helps to prevent, to cure, to alleviate, to console and to rehabilitate. Let's not forget that Our Lord is true "Christus Medicus"!