Civil Society for HIV/AIDS in Nigeria (CiSHAN) had on Thursday held a candlelight memorial in honor of victims of HIV/AIDS.
The event which took place at Country Women Association of Nigeria, (COWAN) hall, Sabon Barki Jos, Plateau State was marked to commemorate the 2023 International AIDS Candlelight Memorial.
Speaking at the event, the Plateau State Coordinator of Civil Society for HIV/AIDS in Nigeria (CiSHAN), Rev. Christopher Damcher said the event is rarely observe in the state, but CiSHAN felt marking it will improve love and solidarity to the victims of the dreaded virus, as well as will discourage Stigmatization of people living with the virus.
Rev. Damcher appreciated the implementing partners for their interventions which have helped in fighting the menace, but he was worried that it is not yet over as the virus still spreads among people.
The CiSHAN coordinator noted that the day is globally observed every third Sunday of the year, as he explained that the day is marked in Plateau State to create more awareness on the virus.
Representative of the Plateau State Ministry of Health, Kadieng Victor Davou and the Acting Executive Director of Plateau AIDS Control Agency PLACA, Mrs. Martha Sowmen appreciated the organizers of the event, and explained that government has spent much on HIV/AIDS, yet the virus has not been crushed, as they trust God that one day the world will find a curable drug for the virus.
In their separate goodwill messages, the COWAN Executive Director, Mrs. Jessica Gwamkat, the State Coordinator of Network of Youth NGOs on HIV/AIDS, Gender, Population and Development (NYNETHA) Mr. Hezekiah Panye, and the State Coordinator of Key Population (KP), Mrs. Lisa Fwanji commended CiSHAN for organizing the event as they called for enhanced synergy between the CSOs, implementing partners and the government to ensure success in the fight against the virus.
The HIV Prevention food soldiers also advocated for more efforts in ending stigma and discrimination of people who live with the virus.
In their separate messages, the representatives of World Health Organization (WHO), Society for Family Health (SFH), Aisha Dadi, and APIN Public Health, Chidinma Stevens commended the organizers of the occasion, as they reassured their commitment towards HIV prevention in the state.
The event titled “Spread Love and Solidarity to build Stronger Communities” was climaxed with a minute silence and candle lightening in honour of people who died of HIV/AIDS, as well as poem recitation and experience sharing by CiSHAN members.
I’m so happy I was among the people who witnessed the candlelight May the souls of those who departed rest in peace Amen.from CF