The Global Health Council is the world's largest membership alliance dedicated to saving lives by improving health throughout the world. The Council works to ensure that all who strive for improvement and equity in global health have the information and resources they need to succeed. Candlelight Advocacy Platform The Candlelight Memorial is committed to ending HIV/AIDS 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/AIDS pandemic, particularly people living with the disease 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 AIDS 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/AIDS, Malaria, Tuberculosis and Other Related Issues The needs of communities affected by HIV/AIDS 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 AIDS, 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 Affected communities by HIV/AIDS 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 affected communities 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/AIDS. 2002. The Global Advocacy Agenda: GNP+ Policy Platform.

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