The USG/UISG Commission for Health organized a three-day Forum in Rome on HIV and AIDS (the first of its kind) from the 12-14 of December 2005. Around 45 participants from all over the world, representing various strata of society  and carrying with them the rich resources of knowledge and experience in HIV and AIDS, committed themselves passionately to the programme. Most of the participants were themselves resource persons in the area of medicine, research and pastoral care. The UNAIDS which offered financial support and expertise  to the programme and Caritas Internationalis were also represented.

The Forum consisted of the following main activities :

• Input and information on the AIDS Pandemic at global and continental level 
• Ethical and ecclesial stance on issues concerning health with special reference to the use of contraceptives and other preventive measures
• Pastoral care, counselling and accompaniment  from prevention up until the last stage.
• Sharing of knowledge and experiences by persons involved in ministry to specific categories of victims like youth, orphans, women etc.,
• Sharing by members of Religious orders and representatives of civil society on their involvement, service and  experiments in the given field.

1. To prepare a Concept Paper articulating  the vision, mission and goal of the gathered Forum with special emphasis on how it wants to move forward.

2. To do a Mapping Exercise which will facilitate the implementation of  concrete action through partnership, network and mutual support.  Towards this aim, a questionnaire was outlined by the Forum to be sent out to religious congregations with the expected result of giving visibility to the already existing services the Religious are rendering in the area of HIV and AIDS besides serving as a wake-up call to one of the most  devastating realities that affect millions of people over the world including members of religious orders.

The Forum is just the beginning of and a first step towards a wide range of work and follow-up that will have to be carried out  by a committed core group in Rome. The experience has been truly enriching and motivating, coming as it did,  from a genuine love and concern for the most marginalized of the society for our times.