In a heartwarming display of solidarity, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office Caraga participated in the 2024 International AIDS Candlelight Memorial (IACM), underpinning the global fight against HIV/AIDS stigma – May 27, 2024.

 

This year’s memorial, carrying the theme “TOGETHER WE REMEMBER, TOGETHER WE HEAL, THROUGH LOVE AND SOLIDARITY!”, focuses on the crucial issues of stigma and self-stigma that people living with HIV often endure. The IACM serves as a beacon of hope and a rallying cry for communities worldwide to foster an environment of understanding and support.

The International AIDS Candlelight Memorial, observed annually, is among the world’s oldest and largest grassroots mobilization campaigns for HIV awareness. The event aims to honor the memory of those who have lost their lives to AIDS and show support for those living with the virus, advocating for their right to a healthy and dignified life.

DSWD Caraga’s participation in the memorial is a testament to the region’s dedication to health, equality, and social justice. “Through love and solidarity, we can overcome the challenges of stigma and discrimination,” Mr. Arnel Delgado, focal person said in prayer. “Together, we remember those we’ve lost, heal as a community, and work towards a future where everyone, regardless of their HIV status, is treated with respect and compassion.”

 

The DSWD Caraga invites everyone in the region and beyond to join in this cause. It is a powerful opportunity for individuals and communities to stand together in the fight against HIV, highlighting the importance of compassion, resilience, and collective action in overcoming adversity.

As the world commemorates the 2024 International AIDS Candlelight Memorial, the message from Caraga is clear: no one should face HIV alone. Through collective efforts and shared humanity, a future free from stigma and discrimination is within reach.