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Writes Chimeno Azriel
Stigma and discrimination remain significant barriers to HIV care, preventing people living with the disease from seeking medical care, disclosing their status, and adhering to treatment. The Mashonaland West Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Hon Marian Chombo, emphasised the need to address these challenges during the National Aids Council ( NAC) candlelight memorial held at Rimuka Hall in Kadoma on Thursday.
The Candlelight memorial serves as an opportunity to honor those who have lost their lives to AIDS, raise awareness about HIV/AIDS, promote solidarity and support for people living with HIV, and reflect on progress made and challenges remaining in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
In her speech, Minister Chombo said stigma and discrimination can lead to social isolation, mental health issues, and poor health outcomes. She said to combat this, there is a need to educate the public about HIV, promoting inclusivity and acceptance, and providing supportive services as crucial steps.
“Stigma and discrimination remain formidable barriers that prevent many from seeking the care they need. Today, I call upon each of you -community members, healthcare providers, and policymakers to join hands in breaking down these barriers,” said the Minister.
“We must create an environment where every individual feels safe, respected, and empowered to access the services they require.”
The Candlelight memorial service ran under the theme ‘Together we remember, together we heal, through love and solidarity’ and the Minister highlighted the need to work together and show love and solidarity to accept and fight HIV.
“Our Government is committed to ensuring equitable access to healthcare for all and we are implementing policies that prioritize education, prevention, and treatment, while also addressing the social determinants of health that contribute to the spread of HIV,” said Hon Chombo.
“We have signed COMPACT to ensure the government continues to prioritize treatment even when external support is significantly reducing. Together, we can build a future where every person living with HIV can thrive without fear or discrimination,” continued the Minister.
During the candlelight memorial service, various movements, which included Simbarashe Network, National AIDS Council (NAC), Positive and Persistent Women’s Coalition (PAPWC), and Zimbabwe National Network of People Living with HIV (ZNNP+), read solidarity messages expressing their support for people living with HIV.
They described individuals living with HIV as “courageous” and emphasized the importance of eradicating stigma and discrimination. The movements called on the Government and NAC to provide support for people living with HIV and pledged to continue fighting the disease, including efforts to ensure access to medication for those in need.
By standing in solidarity with people living with HIV, these movements aim to promote a more inclusive and supportive environment, ultimately contributing to the overall well-being of those affected by the disease. Their collective efforts underscore the importance of collaboration in addressing the challenges posed by HIV/AIDS.
As the solidarity messages came to a close, the atmosphere was filled with a sense of unity and remembrance. All in attendance lit their candles, symbolizing the light of hope and resilience in the face of adversity. The room was enveloped in a warm glow as voices came together in hymns of remembrance, honoring the lives of those who had passed away due to AIDS-related illnesses.
In a poignant moment of collective remembrance, attendees signed the names of their loved ones in a book of remembrance, paying tribute to their memory and legacy. This act served as a powerful reminder of the impact of HIV/AIDS on individuals, families, and communities, while also highlighting the importance of continued support and advocacy for those affected by the disease.
The International AIDS Candlelight Memorial was started in 1983 by a group of four young men infected with HIV who organized a small vigil with a banner reading “Fighting For Our Lives” in San Francisco.
The event marked the beginning of a global movement to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS, promote solidarity among those affected, and honor the memories of those who have lost their lives to the disease.
Today, the Candlelight Memorial is one of the world’s oldest and largest grassroots mobilization campaigns for HIV awareness taking place every third Sunday in May and involving over 1,200 community organisations in 115 countries.
