The International AIDS Candle Light Memorial was held in all the district and mandal headquarters and municipalities across the state on Sunday. Organized by the Andhra Pradesh State AIDS Control Society, the rally was joined by people expressing their solidarity in the fight against HIV/AIDS on the 20th anniversary of the discovery of the Human Immuno Deficiency Virus.
In Hyderabad, the rally, with the theme, 'Remember the cause, renewing our commitment' had participants in large numbers joining it with lighted candles and reflecting on how HIV/AIDS had affected lives across the globe.
Minister for Health, Medical and Family Welfare Dr Kodela Sivaprasada Rao flagged off the rally from Nizam College Grounds, culminating in a meeting at Lalitha Kala Thoranam at Public Gardens. The Minister underscored on the awareness of people on AIDS to avoid the epidemic as no medicine was yet discovered to cure the deadly disease. The Minister said AIDS had emerged as a complex global emergency that destabilised the socio-economic fabric of nations, especially the developing countries.
Organized every year in memory of those who lost to AIDS and those living with it, it is also an occasion for people to reflect on how the face of the disease would change in future and create a healthier world
A press note issued by APSACS said the pandemic had so far claimed more than 28 million lives. Over 42 million were affected by HIV and AIDS, the statement said.
The participants included school and college students and members of voluntary organizations. Many people could not join the rally because of the heat wave.