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Ignite your candle and join in the worldwide recognition of the International AIDS Candlelight Memorial on May 19. This significant day was first organized in 1983, making it one of the world's oldest and largest grassroots mobilization campaigns for HIV awareness. The Memorial serves as a vital intervention for global solidarity, breaking down barriers of stigma and discrimination, and giving hope to new generations. We remember those we lost, we stand with the survivors, and we continue to fight alongside those still battling. So, spread the light, raise awareness, and show the world your support!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1981</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Discovery of AIDS</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in the United States first reports on cases that would later be classified as Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS).</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1983</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First Candlelight Memorial</div><div class='timeline-text'>The International AIDS Candlelight Memorial takes place for the first time, serving as a powerful intervention for global solidarity and awareness against HIV/AIDS.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1996</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Antiretroviral Therapy Introduced</div><div class='timeline-text'>The introduction of Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART) sees a significant reduction in AIDS-related deaths, offering hope to many battling the disease.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2001</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>UN Declaration on HIV/AIDS</div><div class='timeline-text'>The United Nations General Assembly Special Session on HIV/AIDS adopts the Declaration of Commitment on HIV/AIDS, aiming towards universal access to treatment.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2011</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Treatment as Prevention</div><div class='timeline-text'>The HPTN 052 study reveals that early initiation of antiretroviral treatment reduces the risk of HIV transmission by 96%, further emphasizing 'treatment as prevention'.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2019</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Community Involvement Significance</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Candlelight Memorial continues to emphasize on the important role of communities in bringing about the end to the HIV epidemic globally.</div></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Host a candlelight vigil</h3><p class='facts-text'>Organize a candlelight vigil at your home, school, or local community center to honor those lost to AIDS. Encourage attendees to share thoughts and memories, creating a sense of unity and shared support.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Share supportive messages online</h3><p class='facts-text'>Use social media to spread awareness about the International AIDS Candlelight Memorial and to express your support for those affected. Share posts, images, or videos relating to the cause, using hashtags like #AIDSMemorial and #CandlelightMemorial.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Donate to AIDS research</h3><p class='facts-text'>You can contribute to finding a cure by donating to organizations that fund HIV/AIDS research such as amfAR, The Foundation for AIDS Research, or AIDS Research Alliance.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Educate yourself and others</h3><p class='facts-text'>Education is key in fighting stigmas and misunderstanding around AIDS. Spend time learning more about HIV and AIDS and share this knowledge with your friends, family and community.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Spread the word</h3><p class='facts-text'>Even simple word of mouth can make a big difference. Talk about HIV/AIDS and the significance of the Memorial with your peers. This not only keeps the memory of the victims alive, but also raises awareness.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Promotes Solidarity and Destigmatization</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>The International AIDS Candlelight Memorial spreads the message of unity and support for those affected by AIDS. This global event helps to break the barriers of stigma and discrimination related to HIV and AIDS, ultimately promoting an understanding and accepting society.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Honors Those Lost and Supports Survivors</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>This memorial gives us a chance to honor and remember the individuals who have lost their lives to AIDS. By lighting a candle, we stand with the survivors and express our ongoing support for the individuals still fighting the disease.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Spurs Action Towards Research and Education</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>The International AIDS Candlelight Memorial is an opportunity to take concrete actions towards finding a cure. From fundraising for AIDS research to stopping misinformation by educating ourselves and others about HIV and AIDS, our combined efforts contribute to this important fight.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>AIDS Candlelight Memorial is recognized in over 115 countries</h3><p class='facts-content'>The international recognition of this Memorial exhibits the global solidarity against HIV/AIDS. With over 115 participating countries, the reach and influence of this event has been significant.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Memorial theme changes every year</h3><p class='facts-content'>Each year, the event is carried out under a specific theme, promoting a particular aspect or issue related to HIV/AIDS, encouraging thoughtful discussions and targeted action.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The Memorial has been contributing to AIDS awareness for over 35 years</h3><p class='facts-content'>Being organized since 1983, the AIDS Candlelight Memorial is one of the longest-running HIV/AIDS interventions, dedicating over 35 years to building HIV awareness and understanding.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>It is coordinated by a network member of Global Network of People living with HIV</h3><p class='facts-content'>GNP+ (Global Network of People living with HIV) has a member coordinating this significant event, ensuring that the voice of HIV affected individuals is front and center at this global rally of support.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The Memorial Day sparks dialogue and drives policy change</h3><p class='facts-content'>Apart from breaking stigmas and spreading awareness, this annual event has been successful in promoting discussions and influencing policies on a governmental level for the betterment of people living with HIV/AIDs.</p></div></div>
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