Cebu Prelate Reminds Priests Not to Discriminate People with HIV-Aids

Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma has reminded priests to avoid discrimination when dealing with people living with the human immunodeficiency virus and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV-Aids).

Palma reminded the clergy that the sacraments are open to all.

“In fact, if there is one situation where we should express mercy and compassion of God and of the Church, it is when people have died of Aids. We will certainly reprimand the priests who refuse to welcome those who died from such a disease,” Palma told reporters during the World Aids Day Tuesday.

Palma was reacting to reports there are some priests who refused to provide the final blessing to people who died of HIV-Aids.

Palma said he plans to come up with a pastoral letter to remind priests to provide the sacraments to everybody.

In Cebu City alone, the City Health Department (CHD) said 344 individuals were diagnosed with HIV so far this year, bringing to 1,720 the total number of HIV and Aids cases recorded by the CHD from 1989 to November this year.

Of the 1,720, only 680 are enrolled in the CHD’s treatment program.

At the Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center (VSMMC), the biggest state-run hospital in Cebu City, 680 individuals living with HIV, including men who have sex with men, commercial sex workers and people who inject drugs, are regularly given free medication, hospital officials said. (PNA) CTB/EB/EDS