Faith, Hope and Treatment:

The Catholic Church and Global HIV and AIDS

View Part 1 of this new series on how the Catholic Church is responding to HIV and AIDS around the world.

Stop AIDS: Take The Lead

Leading up to World AIDS Day on December 1, Catholic Relief Services is recognizing the lives and amazing efforts of people living with HIV around the world, those who have died from related illnesses and the work of countless organizations dedicated to reversing the impact of the pandemic.

The resources on this page provide extensive information on the global impact of the pandemic, ways to get involved and bring awareness to your community, how to engage the media, as well as stories that provide a window into the lives of the people we serve.

CRS has long been a leader in the global humanitarian response to HIV, working closely for more than 20 years with partners in Africa, Asia, Latin America and the United States to expand care and support to people living with the virus.

The Impact of AIDS

In the 25 years since the virus was first detected, 65 million people around the world have contracted HIV, with millions more affected. The impact of the growing numbers—and the millions of children left behind—endanger the development of many regions of the world. CRS provides care, support and hope so that people can live with dignity, and regain their strength and livelihoods.

Saving Lives and Restoring Hope

CRS' HIV programming assists individuals, families and communities as they manage the physical, economic, social and emotional effects of the disease. In 2007, CRS directly helped more than 4 million people affected by the pandemic.