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. Press Quick Stats | History | Purpose | Press Releases | News Coverage | HIV/AIDS Resources Quick Stats A program of the Global Health Council Among the largest and oldest grassroots mobilization campaigns for HIV/AIDS awareness in the world Purpose is to honor all those affected by the AIDS pandemic, as well as to educate about HIV/AIDS, influence local and national policy makers, and create community dialogue about prevention, care, and treatment for the disease Led by local volunteer “Candlelight coordinators” who host memorials for their communities worldwide In 2006, over 900 memorials were planned in 110 countries Occurs on the third Sunday in every May Began in 1983 in New York and San Francisco 24th Candlelight Memorial will take place on Sunday, May 20th, 2007 For more information about the Candlelight and its history, read About Us The History of the "Memorial" The original International AIDS Candlelight Memorial was held in 1983, when the cause of AIDS was unknown and no more than a few thousand AIDS deaths had been recorded. The organizers wished to honor the memory of those lost to AIDS and to demonstrate support for those living with AIDS. That remains the focus of the event today. Since 1983, the pandemic has claimed more than 28 million lives, with about 42 million now living with HIV and AIDS. As AIDS continues to ravage communities around the world, the Candlelight has become a way for communities to take action by publicly mourning loved ones lost to AIDS, and by strengthening local and national commitments to fighting the pandemic. In small communities, it can help to increase awareness, understanding, volunteerism, and fundraising. In large cities, it brings together a diverse spectrum of people who care about AIDS. In all cases, the event creates a sense of global solidarity, and generates worldwide media attention. Purpose The International AIDS Candlelight Memorial acts as a catalyst for communities around the world to begin talking about HIV/AIDS in their community. It is a unique event that promotes discussion, education, awareness and action. The International AIDS Candlelight Memorial have four main objectives: To honor the memory of those lost to AIDS To show support for those living with HIV and AIDS To raise community awareness and decrease stigma related to HIV/AIDS To mobilize community involvement in the fight against HIV/AIDS Press Releases Communities Around the World Unite for International AIDS Candlelight Memorial May 17, 2006 Download PDF [28K] | MS Word [88K] 2006 International Candlelight Memorial to be Held May 21, 2006 May 17, 2006 Download PDF [28K] | MS Word [88K] News Coverage The breadth and diversity of the memorials are highlighted through their significant media coverage, some of which can be seen here. Candlelight Memorial for AIDS Victims News 8 Austin - Austin, TX, USA AIDS Candlelight Memorial held in Camarines Norte Philippine Information Agency - Philippines Tauranga Candlelight Memorial Service Scoop.co.nz (press release) - New Zealand Local Church Holds AIDS Candlelight Memorial Annapolis Capital - Annapolis, MD, USA Sexual Health Education Called for at Candle Lighting Netherlands Antilles Daily Herald - Philipsburg, Saint Maarten, Netherlands Antilles Prague Memorial Sheds Light on Threat of AIDS Radio Prague - Prague, Czech Republic Dunedin Remembers AIDS Victims Newstalk ZB - New Zealand Leshomo Calls for Safe and Healthy Future for Children Republic of Botswana - Gaberones, Botswana Zimbabwe: Make ARVs Accessible to All AllAfrica.com - Washington, USA Tshabong Remembers AIDS Victims Republic of Botswana - Gaberones, Botswana AIDS Candlelight Memorial Being Held Sunday NorthernLife.ca - Sudbury, ON, Canada Armenia Lights a Path to a Brighter Future for HIV and AIDS Reuters AlertNet - London, England, UK Life Celebration Longmont Daily Times-Call - Longmont, CO, USA AIDS: The Faces, Its Victims Portsmouth Herald News - Portsmouth, NH, USA 50 Gather to Remember AIDS Victims Corpus Christi Caller Times - Corpus Christi, TX, USA Candlelight Memorial Day Observed E-Pao.net - Manipur, India International AIDS Candlelight Memorial Observed Today Manila Bulletin - Philippines Candlelight Memorials to Highlight AIDS Prevention Stuff.co.nz - Wellington, New Zealand AIDS Workcrew to Hold Memorial, Hopes to Raise Awareness on Campus The Dartmouth - Hanover, NH, USA AIDS Candlelight Memorial on Sunday Pune Newsline - Pune, India FPOP to Lead AIDS Candlelight Memorial in Gensan Philippine Information Agency - Philippines Candlelight Memorial LTVNEWS.COM - Sault Ste. Marie, ON, Canada International AIDS Candlelight Memorial Scoop.co.nz (press release) - New Zealand HIV/AIDS Resources Global Health Council - www.globalhealth.org/ AIDS Education Global Information Systems (AEGIS) - www.aegis.org/ Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) - www.unaids.org/ United States Agency for International Development (USAID) - www.usaid.gov/

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