NNC MIMAROPA joins the world in the observance of the International AIDS Candlelight Memorial Day this 16 May 2021 with the theme: “We Remember. We Take Action. We Live Beyond HIV.”
This annual event which began in 1983 is held every third Sunday of May to commemorate the lives lost due to AIDS-related complications, to honor those who dedicated their lives helping people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and continue to mobilize our communities in harmony. Thousands of events across the globe are highlighted with uplifting ceremonies organized by community-based organizations such as HIV-positive people, women’s and youth groups, businesses, academic institutions, faith-based organizations, and the media.
HIV is a global concern with almost 38 million people affected. In the Philippines, the first case of HIV infection was reported in 1984. Since then, there have been 82,865 confirmed HIV cases reported as of December 2020. A total of 48,314 people living with HIV (PLHIV) were presently on Anti-retroviral treatment as of January 2021.
With thousands of cases in the country and millions around the world, the AIDS Candlelight Memorial creates a platform to raise awareness about HIV, break the stigma and create solidarity among communities. Through this, we can end discrimination and give greater hope to those people living with HIV.
(BLVMEstrella)
Sources:
HIV/AIDS & ART Registry of the Philippines. (2020). Department of Health. Retrieved from: https://doh.gov.ph/sites/default/files/statistics/EB_HARP_December_AIDSreg2020.pdf
HIV/AIDS & ART Registry of the Philippines. (2021). Department of Health. Retrieved from: https://doh.gov.ph/sites/default/files/statistics/EB_HARP_January_AIDSreg2021_0.pdf
International AIDS Candlelight Memorial to be marked around the world. (2014). Retrieved from: https://www.unaids.org/en/resources/presscentre/featurestories/2014/may/20140516candlelight
International AIDS Candlelight Memorial. (2021). Retrieved from: https://gnpplus.net/project/international-aids-candlelight-memorial/
