At the end of his General Audience, Pope Francis recalled that December 1 marks World AIDS Day.
POPE FRANCIS
'This is an important occasion to remember the many people affected by this virus, for many of whom, in some parts of the world, there is no access to basic treatment. I hope for a renewed commitment of solidarity to ensure fair and effective healthcare.'
According to the UN, some 32 million people have died from AIDS since it was first detected in 1981. In 2018, 37.9 million people were reported to have AIDS.
Many of them live in countries where prostitution is widespread, such as in northern Thailand. There, the UN estimates that 60% of brothel workers have AIDS and do not have easy access to treatment.
JRB
VM
