The Global Network of People Living with HIV (GNP+) advocates to improve the quality of life of people living with HIV Candlelight Advocacy Platform The Candlelight Memorial is committed to ending HIV by raising awareness and advocating for the advancement of effective policies at all levels. The program has identified the following key issue areas as its platform around which it cultivates community advocacy through its events and activities: Reducing Stigma & Discrimination Communities around the world affected by the HIV epidemic, particularly people living with HIV and other marginalized groups, often face debilitating social stigma and discrimination simply because of their association with the virus. The Candlelight Memorial urges leaders to fight discrimination through protecting the rights of affected groups and individuals, and fostering an inclusive human environment of both support and opportunity. Ensuring Access to Treatment, Prevention & Care Poor or marginalized communities have little access to basic HIV services. The Candlelight Memorial urges leaders to ensure communities equal access to treatment (such as testing and anti-retroviral therapy); evidence-based prevention (such as education and condoms); and care and support (such as counseling and hospice). This requires meeting the needs of orphans and vulnerable children, strengthening public health systems, and vaccine development. Increasing Resources for HIV, Malaria, Tuberculosis & Other Related Issues The needs of communities affected by HIV by far outpace the current resources allocated to meet them. The Candlelight Memorial urges leaders to fulfill their commitments to adequately address the scope and depth of HIV, including other burdens accompanying or enhancing its spread such as TB, malaria, sexually-transmitted diseases and opportunistic infections, and other contributing social and economic challenges. Promoting Greater Involvement by Affected Communities Communities of people living with and affected by HIV are often neglected in the decision-making processes that aim to assist them in the first place. The Candlelight Memorial urges leaders to incorporate the voice of people living with and affected by HIV in the formulation of policy, as well as in the design and implementation of programs. Their experience and opinions are essential to the global dialogue about the disease. This includes promoting the empowerment of women and youth. References 08.STOP.AIDS: A Plan to Stop Global AIDS. 2008. Global Network of People Living with HIV. 1999. Global Advocacy Agenda (more info)

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