Coordinator of the HIV pre-vention programme and lecturer at the United Theological College of the West Indies, Garth Minott, has said the Church needs to play a greater role in assisting persons affected by HIV and AIDS.

"I am suggesting that, if we are serious about spreading the good news for all people, we cannot live in a society where people die simply because they cannot afford the bus or taxi fare," Minott said.

Minott was speaking against the background of recent findings from the Ministry of Health which showed that a number of HIV/AIDS patients are missing medication and clinic appointments due to a lack of bus fare and food to take with their medication. According to this study, 27 per cent of persons reported lack of food as the main reason for missing their antiretroviral treatment.

Minott, who was addressing a gathering of newly ordained ministers at the Hilton Kingston Hotel, New Kingston, on Sunday, told the ministers that while evangelism speaks to the proclamation of the "good news" of Christ, it also focuses on the spiritual and material needs and called for minister to join in the fight against HIV/AIDS.

Unity is key

"Part of proclaiming the Gospel means being willing to respond to everyone who is in need ... no longer can churches fight among themselves in the name of Gospel. We have to work together," Minott said.

In an address last month to launch this year's observation of World AIDS Day and the new anti-stigma campaign, Health Minister Rudyard Spencer announced that a new initiative was being undertaken to assist persons living with and affected by HIV and AIDS. This initiative, he said, would target persons in low-income community settings who are affected. He said the initiative would cater to self-identified social support needs of persons in order to improve economic well-being.