30th International AIDS Candlelight Memorial (IACM)

This post is on behalf of the International AIDS Candlelight Memorial. 

Dear Friends,

“In Solidarity" is the theme of the 30th International AIDS Candlelight Memorial (IACM). 

One of the world’s oldest and largest grassroots mobilization campaigns for HIV awareness in the world, the Memorial is coordinated internationally by the Global Network of People living with HIV (GNP+). Started in 1983, the Candlelight Memorial takes place every third Sunday in May. The Memorial is led by a coalition of 1,200 community, health and faith organizations in 115 countries. In 2012 over 200,000 people worldwide participated in the event.

Please express your solidarity, observe this day on behalf of your DAPCU on 19 May 2013, and extend your support o CBOs and NGO partners in your district. Registration for participating organization is at http://bit.ly/IACM-2013

Organising the Memorial for the 30th time is no reason for celebration. When the AIDS Candlelight Memorial was held first in 1983, no-one could have predicted the scale of the global epidemic. While for many people HIV has become a chronic disease, many others lack access to treatment and experience HIV-related stigma, discrimination and human rights violations on a daily basis. IACM reminds us of the impact that HIV has on our lives locally and globally.

Solidarity is essential to reduce stigma and promote the involvement of people living with HIV in order to ensure a more effective HIV response. Only through Solidarity can we advocate for universal access to human rights and quality treatment, prevention, care and support services. I hope the DAPCUs will make us of this opportunity. More details are available at www.candlelightmemorial.org

Thanking you, and
Looking forward to your support,

Kousalya Periasamay
National Coordinator for India,
International AIDS Candlelight Memorial