Report on the Candle Light Memorial for PLHIV held across the State Capital on Saturday 20/05/2017 and Sunday 21/05/2017. Paradise Health Care Community Development Initiative (PAHCCDI-Nigeria), Cross River State Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS in Nigeria (CRINEPWHAN) and Civil Society for HIV/AIDS in Nigeria (CISHAN) in collaboration with other stakeholders/partners (UNFPA, FHI360 e.t.c.) were pleased to organize and observe the first state wide candle light memorial for PLHIV.
The theme of the memorial which was "Ending AIDS Together" saw to a pledge of commitment from PLHIV and stakeholders in the course to Reduce stigma / discrimination, confidentiality and effective service delivery. The objectives of the memorial were:
- To stand in solidarity and pay homage to all that lost their lives and the lives of their lost ones in the struggle with HIV/AIDS.
- To pledge support and solidarity with PLHIV.
- To create awareness attract the attention of collaborators, gatekeepers and key influencers.
- To unite IPs together and align all their activity towards the global 90 90 90 strategy of UNAIDS
- To conduct targeted HTS in selected spots across the state capital.
Opening the event was the Coordinator of CISHAN in Cross River State, Mr. Ekume who welcomed all present; he also went on to highlight the importance of the event stating that the time to act is now.
The areas that calls for immediate actions are:
- Zero tolerance for Stigma and discrimination.
- Implementation of anti stigma law.
- Zero AIDS related deaths
- Zero new infection.
- Increased care and support package for PLHIV.
Over 43 FSW, 3 MSM and 48 IDU persons received HIV testing services during the activity.
