Jackie Goh, AYC committee Distinguished Guests
National Youth Commision of Philippines,
and all the young people gathered here today,
ladies and gentlemen, Good evening.
On behalf of the Asian Youth Council and, it gives me great pleasure to deliver short message to you today at this Candle Light Memorial event.
But before I do that, allow me to thank NYC of Philippines organizing this event. My thanks also go to the many organizations who have supported this event.
As we know, The Global Network of PeopleLiving with HIV (GNP+),has announced the 2014 theme , ‘Let’s keep the light on HIV’.
Raoul Fransen, Executive Director of GNP+, says, “The Candlelight Memorial has been a potent focal point for activism in the community of people living with HIV over many years, and the theme therefore reflects a feeling of solidarity, of people acting together, and of not stigmatizing people living with HIV, including key populations.”
He continues: “‘Let’s keep the light on HIV’ aims to be positive and forward-looking, whilst also recognizing that this remains a memorial event for many. In addition, with a post-2015 agenda looming, and the imminent replenishment of the Global Fund, the theme speaks to the urgent need to ensure that HIV and AIDS does not drop off the agenda for international policy makers.”
Every year, many countries organize today's event to respect every single life and memory of people who have so far died from HIV/ AIDS. Unfortunately, despite the progress made over the past two decades or so, HIV continues to be strongly stigmatized not only here but globally. Many people infected and affected by HIV continue to face discrimination and stigma every day and sometimes from the very people who are supposed to be in the forefront in providing treatment, care and support – the health workers.
Stigma and discrimination is not only a tragedy by itself, but it also contributes to driving the epidemic even further. Because of the fear of stigma and discrimination many people are reluctant to seek information on HIV and to go for HIV counseling and testing. This in turn, undermines all our efforts to control the epidemic. We, therefore need to do more and in particular we must continue to address the taboos which surround HIV.
Last but not least, and on behalf of the Asia Youth Council, let us this evening look back to the ones who have left us as a result of HIV and thank them for having been part of this world.
May their souls rest in peace and our memories of them give us the motivation that we need to intensify this fight against HIV. Thank you.
Jackie, AYC , 16 May 2014
