International AIDS Candlelight Memorial
Many lights for human rights
The International AIDS Candlelight Memorial, a programme of the Global Health Council, based in the USA, is one of the oldest and largest grassroots mobilisation campaigns for HIV/AIDS awareness in the world.
Started in 1983, the Candlelight Memorial takes place every third Sunday in May and is led by a coalition of some 1,200 community organisations in 115 countries hosting local memorials that honour the lost and raise social consciousness about the disease.
The Candlelight is also much more than just a memorial. It provides opportunities for leadership development, policy advocacy, partnerships, and improvement of community mobilisation skills. With 33 million people living with HIV/AIDS today, the Candlelight continues to serve as an important intervention for global solidarity, breaking down barriers, and giving hope to new generations.
The Theme of this year's memorial is "Many Lights for Human Rights". The communities all over the world would gather together in solidarity to light the candle to honour the memory of those lost by AIDS, show support for those living with HIV/AIDS, raise awareness of the disease, and mobilise individuals for a common goal of responding to the local impact of HIV/AIDS.
This year, Rotary Club of Dhaka Midtown in partnership with UNFPA Bangladesh has come forward to mark the day and observe the International AIDS Candlelight Memorial. The event was highlighted with sharing of commemoration speech, chorus songs and lighting the candles gathering in a circle by all participants to remember those who have lost their lives by AIDS, to support those living with HIV and affected by its impact and to move communities to action. All the audiences present at the event light candles. With a glowing flame burning from each candle, members stood for a minute's silence to think of those whose lives have been affected by HIV and AIDS.
The writer is the AIDS Candlelight Coordinator, Bangladesh and Managing Director, Nielsen Bangladesh and member of Rotary Club of Dhaka Midtown. E-mail: hasank.dhaka@gmail.com
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel.
Comments