“In Solidarity” - The theme of the 30th International AIDS Candlelight Memoria

The theme of the 30th International AIDS Candlelight Memorial is “In solidarity”. On Sunday 19 May 2013, for the 30th time, grassroots organizations worldwide will commemorate International AIDS Candlelight Memorial. Communities will raise awareness around HIV, stand together with people living with HIV and remember the loved ones lost to HIV and AIDS.

The theme of “In solidarity” emphasizes the need for people living with and affected by HIV to join hands and work together in the response to HIV. Solidarity in communities is essential to reduce stigma and promote the involvement of people living with HIV in order to ensure a more effective HIV response. Only together as communities can we advocate for universal access to quality health and social services.

Organizing 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. With millions of lives lost and around 33 million people currently living with HIV, HIV remains a challenging reality. 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. The International AIDS Candlelight Memorial reminds us of the impact that HIV has on our lives locally and globally.