ETHIOPIA: Church leader warns against spread of AIDS

The head of the Ethiopian Orthodox church has warned about the spread of AIDS in a sermon marking the country's holiest day. Patriarch Abune Paulos, in an address to celebrate Ethiopian Epiphany, urged the community to provide support and show compassion to those living with the virus.

Ethiopia has the third highest number of people in the world living with HIV. The disease has orphaned a million children. He said that all Christians should support efforts being taken to prevent further spread of the virus.

"He has travelled to every corner of the country to send this message," said his Grace Abune Gerima, a spokesman for the patriarch. "It is important because every day so many people are dying. It is a very serious issue in Ethiopia.

"We teach the people about the dangers and that they should be careful. It is important that people use contraceptives," he told PlusNews. "Education is the key to this and that is why we have spoken to all the dioceses across the country and they are playing their part." Abune Gerima added that the Epiphany was an important time to talk about the dangers of AIDS because so many people gather at churches to hear the priests speak.

Tens of thousands of people flocked to hear the patriarch’s speech at Jan-Meda, a huge field in Addis Ababa where congregations at Epiphany traditionally gather. Addressing them on Saturday, he said it was the duty of Christians to help those living with the virus.

His speech comes as the Ethiopian Red Cross Society (ERCS) pledged to intensify its fight against the disease. The organisation said that HIV/AIDS is the first priority of the ERCS.

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