The Candlelight Memorial is a unique event that remembers those who lost their lives to AIDS. Since the beginning of the AIDS epidemic in 1981, globally, more than 20 million people have lost their lives to the disease while 40 million continue to live with HIV and AIDS. In Malawi, about 84,000 people lost their lives to AIDS last year and close to one million adults and children continue to live with HIV/AIDS.

The Candlelight Memorial, aims at honouring the those who have lost their lives to the virus. It also strives to show support to our children, sisters, brothers, parents, relatives and friends living with HIV and AIDS. It seeks to raise community awareness and decrease stigma related to HIV and AIDS. It helps to mobilize communities to actively take part in the fight against the pandemic as all have been affected through the loss of loved ones.

As we observe the Candlelight Memorial this year with the theme Turning Remembrance into Action, let us encourage our communities to take part in establishing advocacy and social mobilization activities that would promote HIV prevention, reduce further infections, encourage VCT, support the orphans and provide care and treatment for those affected and infected by the epidemic.

History of the Memorial

The Candlelight Memorial is observed worldwide annually on 15th May in about 4,500 communities in 93 countries. The first International Candlelight Memorial was held in 1983 in the United States of America, when the cause of AIDS was unknown and no more than a few AIDS deaths had been recorded. The organizers of the first memorial wished to remember those who died of this mysterious disease and to demonstrate support for those living with the virus. This has, therefore, remained the focus for the event.

 

The capacity for MANET+ to coordinate Candlelight Memorial in Malawi was built by USAID through SCF/UMOYO Network when it supported the first ever function in 1999.

 

This year’s event was held on 21 May 2006 at Malomo Community Day Secondary School ground in Ntchisi district and attracted more than 10,000 people who included political leaders, civil society, Non Governmental Organizations and the general public. The theme was:

-           Lighting the Path to a Brighter Future -

HIV/AIDS Prevention Is Your Responsibility

 in line with World Health Organisation’s (WHO) launch of ‘Acceleration to HIV Prevention’ in Malawi, which took place at the same event.

 The stage was set for a grand memorial event.  MANET+ used the campaign as an advocacy tool to mobilise the nation for health and social change.  Traditional dancers, musicians, drama groups and comedians kept the atmosphere alive and at the same time conveyed messages of prevention, PLWHA rights and provision of quality treatment, including ARVs.

 The sharing of personal experiences of living with HIV and AIDS by a man, woman and youth gave the epidemic a human face and voice.  156 individuals were counselled and tested.

 The Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security, Hon. Anna Kachikho, presided over the event on behalf of H E, The State President.  Dr Justin Malewezi, Chairperson of the Parliamentary Committee on HIV and AIDS also attended the ceremony.

 Suffice it to say, the event was a grand success as it depicted MANET+ Mission which states …’MANET+ exists to improve the quality of life for people living infected and/or affected by HIV and AIDS through creation of a supportive environment free of stigma and discrimination attached to HIV and AIDS.’