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The Singapore AIDS Candlelight Memorial 2005

Press Room

The Singapore AIDS Candlelight Memorial 2005

THE SINGAPORE AIDS CANDLELIGHT MEMORIAL 2005

  • Date: 15 May 2005 (Sunday)
  • Time: 7.30pm
  • Venue: Eco-lake area, near the bamboo groves
  • Singapore Botanic Gardens
  • 1 Cluny Road Singapore
  • Guest-of Honour: Lt Gen Winston Choo, Retd., Chairman, Singapore Red Cross.

In Singapore, the AIDS candlelight Memorial is being held to remember all Singaporeans who have died from complications of AIDS. It is also held to encourage those fighting the disease that they are not alone in their struggle.Singapore AIDS candlelight Memorial 2005 honours the memory of those lost to AIDS, shows support for those living with HIV and AIDS, raises awareness of HIV/AIDS, and mobilises community involvement in the fight against HIV/AIDS. Last year’s event was observed in over 3,000 locations in 85 countries on every continent but Antarctica.

It’s been 20 years since AIDS was first detected in Singapore. Yet, stigma and discrimination against People Living with HIV/AIDS in Singapore continues to be very strong. Not all patients have access to medications.

This Memorial is a poignant reminder that much more needs to be done to fight discrimination, stigmatisation and ignorance of HIV/AIDS and its related issues.

Prayers led by various religious leaders from the Inter Religious Organisation will be said during the memorial for those who have passed on.

INTERNATIONAL AIDS CANDLELIGHT MEMORIAL AND MOBILISATION

Currently, there are more than 4,500 Communities in 93 countries who participate in this event worldwide. It is the largest grassroots AIDS event in the world. The purpose is to remember those who have passed away, support those who are living, educate the public and community leaders, raise awareness and decrease stigma related to HIV/AIDS.

The original International AIDS candlelight Memorial and Mobilisation was held in 1983 in San Francisco and New York City, when the cause of AIDS was unknown and no more than a few thousand AIDS deaths had been recorded. The organisers wished to honour the memory of those lost to AIDS and to demonstrate support for those living with AIDS. That remains the focus of the event today.

Since 1983, the pandemic has claimed more than 28 million lives, with about 42 million now living with HIV and AIDS. As AIDS continues to ravage communities around the world, the AIDS candlelight Memorial has become a way 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, it can help to increase awareness, understanding, volunteerism, and fund-raising. In large cities, it brings together a diverse spectrum of people who care about AIDS. In all cases, the event creates a sense of global solidarity, and generates worldwide media attention.