Tearfund supporters raise £5m for HIV effort

|PIC1|British churches are participating in a miracle, according to Tearfund, which this week announced a major milestone in its Work a Miracle campaign to tackle HIV.

Since the campaign began in 2006, more than £5 million has been raised and thousands of Christians have been praying and campaigning for better services for people affected by HIV in Africa, Asia and South America.

"We’re so grateful for this support," said Paul Brigham, Tearfund’s UK Director.

"We passionately believe that the most effective way to tackle HIV is to work with local people, primarily through local churches."

Tearfund launched the Work a Miracle campaign in 2006 to encourage Christians in the UK and Ireland to join with people across the world who are affected by HIV.

The most recent appeal in the Work a Miracle campaign, called Alive, was launched in September 2008 and has inspired Christians to donate, campaign and pray with Tearfund, enabling people living with HIV to access the treatment they need.

"Tearfund’s vision is to halt the spread of HIV and reverse its impact in the communities where Tearfund and our partners work within ten years," said Veena O’Sullivan, Manager of Tearfund’s HIV Unit.

Local churches across the world are already responding to the needs in their communities and providing hope for people living with HIV.

Antiretroviral drugs are increasingly available but too often people cannot get them because of limited health services, lack of information and the fear of stigma.

Ms O’Sullivan said, "Local church volunteers can provide the practical and emotional support needed to help people to access their treatment, and accompany them as they face the daily challenges of taking these medications.

"The support from Christians in the UK and Ireland is helping to make this possible. It is making a practical difference to the lives of people living with HIV, their families and their communities."