[afro-nets] International AIDS Candlelight Memorial: Sunday 21 May 2006

["Brian Pazvakavambwa" <pazvakavambwab@zw.afro.who.int>]

International AIDS Candlelight Memorial: Sunday 21 May 2006
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Press Release

COMMUNITIES AROUND THE WORLD UNITE FOR INTERNATIONAL AIDS CANDLELIGHT MEMORIAL

WASHINGTON, DC ? Communities in over 100 countries around the world are 
preparing for the 2006 International AIDS Candlelight Memorial on May 
21st, a program of the Global Health Council.  The Candlelight Memorial 
is among the largest and oldest grassroots mobilization campaigns for 
HIV/AIDS awareness in the world. 

Now in its 23rd year, the Candlelight has become more than just a 
memorial to commemorate the lives lost to AIDS. The Candlelight 
provides opportunities to educate people about HIV/AIDS; inform 
policymakers about steps to take in stopping the disease; and create 
community dialogue about prevention, care and treatment.  This year?s 
Candlelight also provides an opportunity civil society with a platform 
to make their voices heard as governments prepare to attend a United 
Nations review of global AIDS progress at the New York City 
headquarters later this month.  

?I am happy about this program because it gives support to those who 
could not get it,? says Miss HIV Stigma Free of Botswana Cynthia 
Leshomo, an activist and coordinator of the memorial in her country.  
In Botswana, approximately half of all pregnant women in their mid to 
late twenties are HIV positive, according to a recent AIDS pandemic 
update by UNAIDS.

In just three decades, HIV/AIDS has killed more than 25 million people 
across the globe. Although we know how to prevent and treat HIV/AIDS, 
five million new infections occur every year, and there is still no 
cure. 

Memorials are planned in every region of the world and led by more than 
800 volunteer community coordinators working with the Global Health 
Council to commemorate the day. 

?Stopping HIV/AIDS cannot be left in the hands of government officials 
and health care professionals alone,? said Dr. Nils Daulaire, president 
of the Global Health Council. ?Saving lives and keeping communities 
healthy demands the involvement of concerned global citizens no matter 
where they live in the world.?

An online, electronic candlelight campaign and a postcard campaign 
urging President Bush to double spending on the global AIDS pandemic 
also are part of the Candlelight Memorial activities sponsored by the 
Global Health Council. 

To learn more about Candlelight and how to get involved, visit 
http://www.candlelightmemorial.org.  

**
The Global Health Council is the world?s largest membership alliance 
dedicated to saving lives by improving health throughout the world.  
The Council serves and represents thousands of public health 
professionals from over 100 countries on six continents. 
http://www.globalhealth.org

--
Brian Pazvakavambwa
WHO AFRO
Harare, Zimbabwe
mailto:pazvakavambwab@zw.afro.who.int