Saturday, 17 May
2014 11:58
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United in the advocacy to control and
prevent the spread of HIV-AIDS, thousands of people turned up for the AIDS
Candlelight Memorial 2014 at Plaza Pershing yesterday afternoon.
Organized by the Zamboanga City
Multi-Sectoral AIDS Council (ZMSAC), the activity was an international
activity themed “Let’s keep the light on HIV”.
A torch parade from Ciudad Medical in Nuñez
Extension to Plaza Pershing at 5pm kicked off the activity. It was followed
by a program graced by Mayor Beng Climaco and highlighted by an ecumenical
prayer and praise songs—all in memory of the people who died of HIV-AIDS.
The lighting of the candles and the
community singing capped the activity.
Councilor VP Elago acknowledged the guests
and participants while City Health Officer Rodel Agbulos gave the
welcome remarks. Department of Health Regional Director Dr. Nimfa Torrizo
delivered the closing statement.
Agbulos said 86 cases of HIV-AIDS were
reported in the city from 1995 to present. From January to May this year, the
CHO recorded 6 cases while four other cases are for confirmation in Manila.
Agbulos stressed that most of the cases are
from the 15 to 34 years old age group registering about 72 percent.
The International AIDS Candlelight Memorial
started in 1983 and is one of the world’s oldest and largest mobilization
campaigns for HIV-awareness globally.
The web page of the International AIDS
Candle light memorial hosted by the Global Network of People living with HIV
states that the event is more than just a memorial. “The International AIDS
Candlelight Memorial serves as a community mobilization campaign to raise
social consciousness about HIV and AIDS. With 33 million people living with
HIV today, the International AIDS Candlelight Memorial serves as an important
intervention for global solidarity, breaking down barriers of stigma and
discrimination, and giving hope to new generations,” the web page said. —
Sheila Covarrubias
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Photo credits from Ciudad Medical Zamboanga
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