Our Sisters in Africa are actively engaged in the fight against HIV/AIDS, in the treatment of people affected by this disease and in support of the families and communities affected by this illness. This fight against HIV and AIDS can take many forms and in terms of striving for justice it involves tackling the injustices that contribute to and exacerbate the underlying causes and the effects of the pandemic.

HIV and AIDS has undoubtedly been the worst pandemic to hit the human race in the 20th Century. 70 per cent of those living with HIV or suffering from AIDS live in Africa. According to Fr Michael Kelly S.J., who has advocated strongly for justice in the face of HIV and AIDS, poverty and exploitative global socio-economic structures and practices are two of the major forces driving the HIV and AIDS epidemic.

There can never be a lasting solution to the problem unless the deeper underlying causes are addressed. AIDS and justice are intimately connected and all Christian social teaching (CST) is driven by justice considerations.

OLA’s are involved in many ways in working for justice for those affected by HIV and AIDS. In many African countries where we work, sisters work directly on HIV and AIDS projects providing care and support and fighting to overcome the unjust stigma often associated with the disease.

As members of the Irish Missionary Union and in particular members of the Africa Europe Faith and Justice Network, OLAs are involved in many Advocacy and Lobbying Campaigns related to HIV and AIDS. This involves challenging global Economic injustices and fighting for better access to more affordable medicines for those living with HIV and AIDS.