Zamboanga City joins the celebration of the International AIDS Candlelight Memorial 2024 with a simple yet meaningful program held at Plaza Pershing Friday afternoon, May 17.

Organized by the City Health Office- Reproductive Health and Wellness Center in collaboration with the Zamboanga City Multi-sectoral AIDS Council led by Mayor John Dalipe, the event sought to remember and honour the lives lost to AIDS, to show appreciation to those who have dedicated their lives to helping people living with HIV, and to build solidarity within our communities.

The brief program kicked off with the opening message of City Health Officer Dr. Dulce Miravite and messages from District I Cong. Khymer Olaso and DOH-9 representative Clarissa Jose, followed by a testimony from a person living with HIV.

Dr. Miravite highlighted the contributions of the different sectors and stakeholders in the fight against HIV-AIDS, as she assured that the city government will continue to exert its best efforts to intensify the anti-AIDS campaign, through various interventions and programs.

The Candlelight Memorial is an international event that started in 1983 to increase awareness on HIV-AIDS. It is also a movement to mobilize communities. (photo credits: Kathy Wee Sit)