AIDS candlelight Memorial 2006
Action for AIDS, Singapore is organizing the 2006 Singapore AIDS candlelight memorial on 21 May 2006, Sunday at 7pm on Campus Green, Singapore Management University, Bras Basah Road.
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In Singapore, the Memorial is held in conjunction with the International AIDS candlelight Memorial and Mobilisation Initiative started in the United States.
The Memorial will be observed simultaneously in over 300 cities around the world to honour the lives and memory of those who have fallen to HIV/AIDS. In Singapore we will remember the 954 who died up to end October 2005.
The Memorial makes a clear and yet profound statement that the HIV/AIDS is present in Singapore and that there are people affected and infected with it.
It also increases the visibility of the fight against the disease. It's a reminder that our fight against the disease is ever ongoing and our guard must never be let down. It helps to lend support to the families and friends of people who have passed away due to AIDS related complications. It tells them that they are not alone and that the community is being mobilised to support them.
History of the Event
The first International AIDS candlelight Memorial was held in 1983. The cause of AIDS at this time was unknown with less than a few thousand AIDS deaths recorded. The coordinators initially wished to honour the memory of those lost to this merciless and enigmatic disease while demonstrating support for those living with AIDS. This continues to remain the focus of the event today.
Since the beginning of the pandemic, AIDS has claimed more than 28 million lives, with over 42 million now living with the virus. As AIDS continues to ravage communities around the world, the candlelight has become a tangible vehicle for communities to take action by publicly mourning loved ones lost to AIDS, and by strengthening local and national commitments to fighting the pandemic. In small communities, the Memorial can help increase awareness and understanding, while promoting volunteerism and fundraising. In large cities, it unites a diverse spectrum of people who care about HIV/AIDS. In all cases, the event creates a sense of global solidarity, and generates worldwide attention.
The International AIDS candlelight Memorial has four main objectives:
- To honour the memory of those lost to AIDS
- To show support for those living with HIV and AIDS
- To raise community awareness and decrease stigma related to HIV/AIDS
- To mobilize community involvement in the fight against HIV/AIDS
In Partnership
In Singapore, our partners for the Memorial will include the Inter-Religious Organisation of Singapore and the Singapore Red Cross.
Spread the word around about the event. We look forward to seeing you at the Memorial.
More information here about the International AIDS candlelight Memorial, which takes place every year on the third Sunday in May.