Video report: Candlelight Memorial event 2024 in Tajikistan

UN agencies in Tajikistan, state entities, donor communuty and civil society supported the event dedicated to the Candleligt Memorial Day that is marked globally third Sunday of May every year to remember the many lives lost to AIDS. Participants paid trubute to those who lost their lives to AIDS, discussed the situation with AIDS in the country and in the world and mentioned the importance of giving hope to those living with HIV. 

During the event, representatives of the Ministry of Health and Social Protection of Tajikistan, United Nations, USAID and public organization Spin Plus provided opening remarks foloowed by the stories of people who live with HIV. The agenda also inlucded the presentation about innovative HIV testing solutions, a sketch on stigma and discrimination prevention, HIV/AIDS quiz and a poem by young poet dedicated to those who lost lives of HIV/AIDS.

The event also highlighted Undetectable=Untransmittable (U=U) campaign, a health and human rights movement aimed at providing accurate and up-to-date information about HIV, particularly regarding the powerful results of antiretroviral therapy drugs use when living with HIV and of pre-exposure prophylaxis, or PrEP, for HIV prevention.

UN Resident Coordinator a.i. Mr. Lenni Montiel highlighted the imortance of supporting people living with HIV and added: “Despite significant progress in medicine and healthcare that help those living with HIV, challenges such as gender inequalities, stigma and discrimination continue to hinder the fight against AIDS. Hence, Candlelight memorial is not only about cherishing the memories of those who lost their lives due to AIDS, but also about recommitting further support of HIV/AIDS related programmes to save lives”.

The event facilitated enhanced awareness, supported raising social consciousness about HIV/AIDS, and offered a platform for solidarity, breaking down barriers of stigma and discrimination with increased individual and coordinated actions against the epidemic.

The advocacy event was organized by UNAIDS Tajikistan in partnership with USG-funded HIV/AIDS programs and projects, the National Network of Women living with HIV, public organization SpinPlus, with support from UN Resident Coordinator’s Office, UN Women, Y-PEER Tajikistan Network, and private sector entities. The event was led in coordination with UN Tajikistan HIV/AIDS Theme Group.