Of Religion And Health

Disallowing deadbodies of AIDS patients to be given proper burial at the Catholic Church's cemetery grounds in Kerala is beyond comprehension. Such ostaracisation practised in a country where religion still plays a vital part in forming public opinion and driving their action, can be malicious to the health of the society. Instead of adding to the stigma attached to AIDS, all religions need to embark upon a common drive to counter the disease and stand by those who are HIV positive. Mass awareness campaigns to make people vigilant about the disease are the needs of the hour. There can perhaps be no better medium to effect this than religion.