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. Opening Ceremony for the 24th Annual Candlelight Memorial The opening ceremony for the annual International AIDS Candlelight Memorial was hosted by the Global Health Council at the Embassy of Zambia on the evening of May 17, 2007. The ceremony was conducted in partnership with the 14 representative embassies in the Southern African Development Community (SADC). The event officially commemorated the start of the worldwide memorial and demonstrate the critical partnership between government and civil society. Speakers included the chairwoman of SADC, Ambassador of Lesotho Molelekeng Rapolaki; chairwoman of SADC’s health subcommittee, Ambassador of Zambia Inonge Mbikusita-Lewanika; and Dr. Nils Daulaire, president and CEO of the Council. “We remember with sadness those who lost their valuable lives to this disease,” said Ambassador Rapolaki. “The HIV/AIDS pandemic remains the single greatest roadblock to attaining SADC’s main goal of sustainable and equitable economic growth and socio-economic development so critical to poverty eradication for the region.” Dr. Daulaire spoke about the role of grassroots groups in fighting HIV/AIDS in their country. “Civil society is acting on this critical health issue,” Dr. Daulaire said, “and it is imperative that governments serve as partners to support them in their efforts. Events like this show that governments are listening to their societies and are working to ensure that their futures are healthy and productive.” Dr. Daulaire also announced the development of several new initiatives for the Candlelight Memorial program including new opportunities for the worldwide community coordinators to participate in the program’s leadership and planning, as well as the creation of the new Candlelight Advocacy Network uniting the coordinators in year-round AIDS advocacy. A ceremonial candle was lit, and audience members passed the flame with candles of their own. The event, which was videotaped and will be broadcast on the Candlelight Memorial website, also included music by Baile’s African Drum Call and a photo display of memorials from around the world. The Global Health Council intends to co-host the Opening Ceremony each year in a new country and region to highlight coordinators’ efforts to remember the lost and raise awareness about AIDS. The 25th Anniversary Opening Ceremony location will officially be announced during the Council’s World AIDS Day 2007 activities. Photo credits: Vivian Ronay, Vivian Ronay Photography

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