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CANDLELIGHT MEMORIAL

At the Candle Light Memorial on 19 May 2013 the world will remember that we have been doingthis for the past 30 years but that there is no end in sight. Antiretroviral Treatment (HAART) hasmade a huge difference for many people. HIV is just another chronic illness, but there are millionswho lack access to treatment, or for whom it means discrimination and isolation.

The theme for 2013 is In Solidarity to emphasize the need for people infected and affected with the virus (thatis every single one of us) to join hands and work together. We also need to involve people who are living withthe virus (PLWA) in order to reduce stigma and ensure a more effective HIV response.

The memorial is the third Sunday in May and often communities start to mobilize on World Aids Day andconclude their activities with the Candle light memorial. At global level the memorial is coordinated by theGlobal Network of People living with HIV. In 2012, 1,200 community, health and faith organizations mobilizedover 200,000 people in 2012 to participate in events.

Every year the international AIDS Candlelight Memorial website www.candlelightmemorial.org develops aposter that can be downloaded and printed.

If you wish to organize a event you should consider thefollowing:

Resources – find candles and sponsorship

Possible activities – lighting candles, have a memorialservice, have expert speakers, community dialog, educatewith posters, talks etc., musical or dramatic performances,award community leaders etc.

Location – the venue should be central and accessible toall community members

Time – choose a time that will work for the majority ofpeople

Personnel & volunteers – look for team members who areresponsible, dedicated, who understand the culture in thecommunity, are interested or familiar with HIV and AIDS

Other elements could include media involvement, securityand emergency services, access to toilet facilities, water,and how will the event will be evaluated.

Sourcehttp://www.candlelightmemorial.org/news/item/99-in-solidarity-30th-international-aids-candlelight-memorial-19-may-2013