District Medical Health Officer Office, Visakhapatnam District "International AIDS Diwali Day and Rally Criticism: “We "We remember, we move forward with awareness, we take action."

 

The "International AIDS Candlelight Memorial Day" began in 1983 and is observed annually on the third Sunday of May; the event is organized across 115 countries through approximately 1,200 community organizations. This year, we are observing the 43rd "International AIDS Candlelight Memorial Day" under the slogan: "Light a Legacy: We Remember, We Move Forward with Awareness, We Take Action."  On this occasion, the primary objective of this day is to pay tribute to those who have passed away from HIV/AIDS worldwide, and to offer reassurance—affirming "We are with you"—to their families and to those currently living with HIV/AIDS. Furthermore, the aim is to raise social awareness regarding HIV and AIDS within the community; to express global solidarity with the 38 million people living with HIV/AIDS worldwide—particularly in observance of the International AIDS Candlelight Memorial; to dismantle the barriers of stigma and discrimination faced by those living with the virus; and to convey a vital message to the new generations.

In our state of Andhra Pradesh, approximately several thousand people living with HIV/AIDS have passed away at ART centers over the last 20 years. Currently, more than 234,000 people are taking ART medications and are living full, healthy lives. Comprehensive medical care, treatment, and medications are being provided to these individuals free of cost in every respect through the Andhra Pradesh State AIDS Control Society.

In Visakhapatnam district, approximately 26,203 individuals have been identified as living with HIV/AIDS, of whom 11,682 are currently receiving ART medications. Over the past 20 years, approximately 7,445 people have passed away due to various causes. There are five ART centers located across the district. Various voluntary organizations, as well as different government departments, are providing services to those living with HIV/AIDS through a range of schemes and initiatives.

Paying tribute to those who have passed away from HIV/AIDS, a candlelight rally was organized, proceeding from the Office of the District Medical and Health Officer, via Satyam Junction, to Rama Talkies. This rally was led by the District Medical and Health Officer.  Dr. P. Jagadeeswara Rao flagged off the event. Under the leadership of the District Leprosy, AIDS, and TB Officer, Dr. Ronanki Ramesh, representatives from voluntary organizations, Positive Network staff, District AIDS Control personnel, and both government and non-governmental staff participated in this rally to express their solidarity.