ZIMBABWE National Network of People Living with HIV (ZNNP+) in partnership with The United States President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) hosted a Candlelight ceremony in remembrance and in honour of those who passed away due to also to keep hopes alive for those who continue with the fight to end HIV, through education, advocacy and partnership.
By Patricia Mashiri
Similar ceremonies have been held since 1983. This year’s ceremony was held on 16 May virtually in accordance with World Health Organization COVID-19 regulations under the theme “Honouring those who fought the good fight – remembering the
departed and recognizing our heroes and heroines!”.
In his speech, the guest of honour Dr Martin Odiit, UNAIDS country Representative bemoaned the effects of COVID-19 to the general population and the new normal that people have now resorted to hosting event virtually.
Things continue to change the world over and today we cannot even hold the traditional candlelight vigil on the streets due to the effects of COVID-19. The effects of COVID-19 have brought about the new normal where important events as this one are now restricted to virtual commemorations. In honour of our departed loved ones, nothing should stop us from continuing to stand together and pay our respects to those who succumbed to HIV.
“The country and indeed the world over has been through a very difficult path since the very first memorial was held in 1983, no-one could have predicted the scale and impact of the global HIV epidemic. With millions of lives lost and close to 38 million people currently living with the HIV, as a global community we remain profoundly challenged by this epidemic despite the efforts that we all continue to put together in trying bring it to an end,” said Dr Odiit.
He added that HIV has become a manageable chronic disease to some yet for far too many HIV has become part of life or struggle for treatment and care, coupled with a myriad challenges such as inadequate food, housing, and income, often in the face of pervasive HIV-related stigma, discrimination and violence.
"In the COVID-19 era, the challenges of those fighting HIV seem to be worsening. So, it is our call to remain united and continue to find solutions to this devastating epidemic."
Dr Odiit also applauded the government, through the Ministry of Health and Child Care, the National AIDS Council and multi-lateral donors that have ensured that over 1.1 million people living with HIV are on treatment.
