ACET leaders turn light on 'forgotten' Aids pandemic outside Africa

Leaders of ACET programmes in India and Eastern Europe are using a UK visit to highlight the growing HIV problem in their regions.

Alex Zhibrik from Belarus and Dr Lavanya Suneetha from Hyderabad in southern India will be in the UK next week and will use part of their visit to highlight what ACET describes as an "often forgotten pandemic".

Dr Suneetha said, "Whilst most attention is on HIV and Aids in sub-Saharan Africa there is also a growing problem elsewhere in the world.

"In India it is estimated that over two million people are now infected and the incidence is also rising rapidly in Eastern Europe and Central Asia.

ACET has programmes in over 23 countries in Africa, Europe and Asia, reaching over one million people, and has been at the forefront of a compassionate Christian response to those infected and affected by HIV and AIDS for over 20 years.

Both leaders head growing programmes in their countries of HIV care, education and training as part of the ACET International Alliance.

Dr Suneetha continued, "We know that HIV can be beaten. However, we are so often hampered by ignorance, stigma and poverty. ACET is committed to mobilising individuals, churches, local agencies and governments to work together to overcome these barriers.

"The UN estimates that over 30 million people are currently infected with HIV throughout the world and each one represents a personal tragedy.

"It is our concern to transform the lives of these individuals that motivates us to continue the work."