Church-Run HIV/AIDS Care Centre Receives State Honour for Two Decades of Service in Bangalore

Bengaluru, January 24, 2026: The Karnataka Network for People Living with HIV/AIDS has conferred the Jeevotsava (Festival of Life) Award on the Claretian-run Support Care Centre in recognition of its two decades of committed service in the treatment and rehabilitation of destitute persons living with HIV/AIDS.

Claretian Fr. Tomy Urumbumkuzhiyil, Director of Support, a Bengaluru-based HIV/AIDS care home, received the award on January 21 from Gangu Bai Mankar, Secretary of the Karnataka Department of Health and Family Welfare.

The award was instituted during the state HIV Conclave organised by the Karnataka Network for People Living with HIV/AIDS, which represents over 50,000 young people living with HIV, along with policy makers, NGOs and Church representatives. The Jeevotsava Award honours institutions that have shown excellence in providing care and rehabilitation for people affected by HIV/AIDS.

“We have been working in the rehabilitation and care of people living with HIV/AIDS, both at the institutional level as well as through community care, for the past two decades. We are happy to receive this award,” said Father Urumbumkuzhiyil, who also serves as a retreat preacher and spiritual guide.

Located in Sumanahalli in Bengaluru, the Claretian centre has consistently reached out to marginalised people living with HIV/AIDS. Established in 2004 by Fr. George Kannanthanam, the centre was inaugurated by the then Karnataka Governor T. N. Chaturvedi.

The facility, which has the capacity to accommodate 30 residents, currently provides comprehensive care to 24 men and women. Over the years, it has supported and rehabilitated more than 3,000 people.

The Support Care Centre offers both residential and community-based services for individuals and families affected by HIV/AIDS. Its services include food, medicines, recreation, skill development and access to job opportunities. The centre has also extended marriage support, vocational training, rehabilitation services, community clinics and self-help programmes.

In addition, the centre manages a community clinic and follow-up services for around 50 rehabilitated families in Giddenahalli and Thaverekere on the outskirts of the city.

Each year, the centre conducts awareness programmes for more than 5,000 people from diverse backgrounds, working in collaboration with various non-governmental organisations.

The award highlights the enduring contribution of the Church-run institution in restoring dignity, hope and livelihood to people living with HIV/AIDS across Karnataka.

Source: Matters India

Download Catholic Connect App for Daily News Updates: 

Android: Click here to download

iOS: Click here to download