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Title: AIDS Candlelight
Location:
Global
Categories: Health
Human Rights
Status:
In Planning
Timeline:
December 1 08 to August 31 09
Description:
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.
Background:
The International AIDS Candlelight Memorial, a program of the Global Health Council, is among the world’s oldest movements by civil society for HIV/AIDS remembrance, awareness and community action. Started in 1983, the historic Candlelight Memorial takes place every third Sunday in May and is led by some 1,200 volunteer Candlelight Coordinators in 119 countries who host vigils for their communities. \r\n\r\nThe Candlelight Memorial is also more than just a memorial. It is an opportunity to educate about AIDS, advocate for policy change, foster partnerships and community dialogue, and improve skills for community mobilization. With 33 million people estimated to be infected worldwide, the Candlelight serves as an important uniting intervention among civil society and their governments, breaking down social barriers, and giving hope to future generations.
Objectives:
Reducing Stigma & Discrimination\r\nCommunities 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. \r\n\r\nEnsuring Access to Treatment, Prevention & Care\r\nPoor 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. \r\n\r\nIncreasing Resources for HIV/AIDS, Malaria, Tuberculosis \r\nand Other Related Issues\r\nThe 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. \r\n\r\nPromoting Greater Involvement by Affected Communities\r\nAffected 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.
Milestones:
Candlelight Advocacy Platform \r\n\r\nThe Candlelight Memorial program encourages governments and international leaders to improve policies that affect the conditions of affected communities
Budget:
50.000$US
Needs:
50.000$US
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