Iloilo AIDS candlelight memorial set May 20
The 25th annual International AIDS Candlelight Memorial will be observed May 20, 2008 at 4:00 P.M. at the University Church of Central Philippine University, Iloilo City.
The activity aims to remember those who have died of AIDS, said Ms. Charity Perea, Regional STI/HIV Coordinator of DOH VI, who emphasized that the activity likewise acts as a catalyst for communities around the world to begin talking about HIV/AIDS in their community.
The May 20 AIDS Candlelight Memorial will include prayers, songs and testimonials.
The other objectives of the activity are, to show support for people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHAS); to raise community awareness; and decrease stigma related to HIV/AIDS and to mobilize community involvement in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
Perea said that as of April 2008, Western Visayas, has 55 PLWHAs. Of this number, 19 have already died for not seeking proper treatment.
The regional STI/HIV coordinator said that, while only few here have been verified to be affected with AIDS, there are concerns that there are still several PLWHAs that are too scared or embarrassed to come out and seek proper treatment.
"We hope that through the International AIDS Candlelight Memorial, we can encourage PLWHAs to come out so that the government and other civic organizations can extend necessary assistance," Perea said.
The celebration's theme this year is "Never Give Up, Never Forget". (PIA)