HIV/ AIDS: A stand for hope from those gone, to those that are

Phek and Mon remember those no more

EMN
Dimapur, May 18

Candlelight memorial services were conducted in Phek town and Mon town on May 18, as a part of memorial for persons who fell to the scourge of HIV and AIDS.The 32nd International AIDS Candlelight Memorial service was held on May 17 in Phek town. The event was organized by various nongovernmental organizations working in the fields of health and HIV/AIDS.
The event in the town was conducted in Phek Basa Baptist Church, with the theme ‘supporting the future ’.
Addressing the gathering, guest speaker Ketshuselie Kire said that the international candlelight memorial serves as a community-mobilization campaign to raise ‘social consciousness’ about HIV and AIDs. Likewise, such events also serve as an important intervention opportunity for global solidarity, and encouraging the ‘breakdown’ of barriers created by stigma and discrimination. Kire said it gives hope to the new generation.
‘The service serves as an opportunity to commemorate loved ones who have lost their lives, show solidarity with people living with HIV, reduce stigma and discrimination and raise awareness within society,’ he said. The speaker called upon the participants to show care and support to people who are infected and affected by HIV/AIDS.
Program coordinator Vetsuyo also addressed the participants with an outline of the ‘HIV scenario’ in the community and the service available for people affected by the disease, and the challenges faced by people living with HIV and AIDS in the district.
A documentary film on International AIDS Candlelight Memorial Service and HIV testing was also displayed to the participants.
During the memorial, candles were lighted to commemorate to those who lost their lives to HIV/AIDS. Around 300 people attended the program.
A similar program was conducted in Mon town as well. The 32nd International AIDS Candlelight Memorial was observed on May 17 in Konyak Baptist Church of Mon. The event was conducted by ‘DAPCU’ in collaboration with the church’s youth department with support from the Legislators’ forum for AIDS.
Guest speaker, Thongwang K, adviser to the Department of Underdeveloped Areas acknowledged the organizers, and the participation from churches, civil organizations, students, government departments, and well wishers for stepping forward to pay tribute to those lost their lives to HIV.
He said that many people living with HIV lack access to care, support and treatment; they suffer stigma and discrimination. He urged citizens to ‘understand the issues on HIV’ and take the responsibility to support people living with HIV. They can support the affected people by creating an ‘enabling environment’ and give them hope and the same to the younger and new generations.