The Global Health Council is the world's largest membership alliance dedicated to saving lives by improving health throughout the world. Opening Ceremony The 2009 Opening Ceremony in Haiti - May 16th, 2009 26th Annual International AIDS Candlelight Memorial The Opening Ceremony to the 26th Annual International AIDS Candlelight Memorial is being held May 16th, 2009, in the country of Haiti. The ceremony, which will take place at the historic palace ruins of the revolutionary Haitian King Henri Christophe in the northern city of Cap Haitian, will symbolically mark the launch of over 1,000 candlelight memorials in over 100 countries remembering the lost, supporting the living, and moving communities to action. The event will include high-level speeches, dramatic and musical performances, and lighting of the official candle that "lights around the world." The event is being co-hosted between the Global Health Council and Promoteurs Objectif Zéro Sida (POZ), a non-governmental organization based in Port-au-Prince with programs in prevention and counseling around the country. A recent recipient of the Red Ribbon Award by UNAIDS, POZ develops outreach programs and has coordinated the memorial in Haiti for the last nine years. The Government of Haiti as well as a number of other civil society organizations throughout the country are contributing to the event. Once the hardest hit country by AIDS in the world after sub-Saharan Africa, Haiti has shown signs of progress in recent years, bringing HIV prevalence down in areas as a result of an increase in partnerships and prevention. The Opening Ceremony aims to highlight Haiti's progress despite its challenges, and to promote the critical partnership between government and civil society worldwide. The event will begin with a march through the town of Milot, just outside of Cap Haitian, and end with the ceremony and lighting of the official candle. Learn More To learn more about the Opening Ceremony and how you can play a part, contact Todd Lawrence, International Outreach Coordinator for the Global Health Council, at tlawrence@globalhealth.org or 001-202-327-5005 in the United States. Read the official press release and see coverage from the 2008 Opening Ceremony in Malawi. Attend the Ceremony & Become an Official Sponsor Time is still available to reserve a seat at the Opening Ceremony and demonstrate your organization’s support by becoming an official partner of the event. As an official sponsor, you will be able to attend the ceremony in person, meet with officials and leaders fighting AIDS in Haiti, and be recognized for your contribution. Here is how you can join us: $5,000 donation – five reserved VIP seats at the Ceremony for your organization plus logo is used on all banners, web, and promotional materials. $2,500 donation – two reserved VIP seats at the Ceremony for your organization plus name in program and web. (Other individual options available.) Official Co-Hosts more info > more info > Major Sponsors more info > more info > Other Key Partners more info > Ministère de la Santé Publique et de la Population

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