The founder and executive director of the oldest Evangelical Christian ministry to those facing HIV/AIDS says he is "skeptical, but supportive" of a proposed new vaccine to treat the disease.
Rev. Bruce Sonnenberg was responding to a CNN report that says researchers have found a vaccine to prevent HIV infection, the virus that leads to AIDS, which has shown modest results for the first time, raising hopes that a disease that kills millions every year may someday be beaten.
In an interview with ASSIST News, Sonnenberg said: "My first response is somewhat skeptical. Not because I don't want a vaccine, but because we have been here so many times before and the conclusions of these trials all fall short."
Asked how hopeful he was that this vaccine is effective and can prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS infection, Sonnenberg said: "Not very hopeful. When you consider over 16,000 participated, you could probably get better results teaching people to change their sexual behavior!"
When asked what the success of this vaccine would mean to those potentially at risk for contracting HIV/AIDS, Sonnenberg said: "It would mean the slower growth of this pandemic. Right now, 2.5 million people a year are infected worldwide. A vaccine would slow that number down, but we don't really know by how much."
Sonnenberg said He Intends Victory would be supportive of promoting the inoculation, "especially amongst those who are forced into the sex industry.
"Many Christians don't realize that in countries like Thailand and India, little girls of 9 and 10 years of age are sometimes sold into prostitution by parents or guardians and the governments do little to stop this. Those little girls are then forced to 'grow up' very quickly and offering some protection from HIV/AIDS infection would be of great value.
"We're not speaking of a few girls by the way, but of tens of thousands, if not more. It's a horrible and wicked industry.
Also, in many cultures even today, girls and women are vulnerable to overpowering and selfish men. "Certainly the vaccine would give them a better chance to survive those traditional forces that work against the Gospel of Christ Jesus which gives women equality with men."
Sonnneberg said that without more government funding on HIV/AIDS research, "You can't find the right medications without research!"
During the interview, Sonnenberg said that in the last six months, He Intends Victory has seen over 300 people, mostly HIV infected come to know Jesus Christ as Savior in the 22 countries they serve.
"Along with this we have provided direct services of food, clothing, medications (non-HIV), education, and care for 13,644 people. That may not seem like a lot to you but on a budget of a little over $200,000 a year, that's phenomenal.
"The only way we can do this is with the Lord's help and the tens of thousands of volunteer hours provided by caring people. More than ever, He Intends Victory is reaching out to those facing HIV/AIDS around the world."
Sonnenberg said the ministry now has a new AIDS Orphan Sponsorship program called "Terry's Kids" named after the late Terry Duffy, former board member and wife of Warren Duffy, national radio host.
"Our goal is to provide food, schooling and uniforms, basic medical care and a lot of love in the name of Jesus to AIDS orphans now facing life on their own from five countries--India, Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, and Uruguay."
Sponsorships start at $ 35 per month with no more than two sponsors per child and the children can be seen at www.terryskids.com or at www.heintendsvictory.com
Source: Breaking Christian News | by Michael Ireland
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