Division officials and personnel commemorate the 2024 International AIDS Candlelight Memorial to remember the many lives lost to AIDS and honor those who dedicated their lives to helping people living with and affected by HIV at Bulwagang Rizal, 4th floor of the DepEd main building on May 20, 2024.

 

This year’s IACM highlights the importance of prioritizing the needs and rights of people living with and affected by HIV with the theme: “PUT TOGETHER FIRST: Kandila ng Pagkalinga, Liwanag ng Pag-asa.”

It also calls for collective action to empower individuals and communities to fight against stigma and discrimination and to advocate for equitable access to services such as HIV prevention, referral, treatment, care, and support services.

 

Suggested activities for IACM on May 20-25, 2024 include:

• posting of the event banner;

• sharing of social media content regarding HIV/AIDS from the DepEd Tayo and DepEd Philippines Facebook Page;

• distribution of educational materials;

• creating information posters to display around the school;

• writing letters and or posting messages of support for people living with HIV/ AIDS (PLHIV) on social media;

• conducting of HIV/ AIDS awareness seminars/symposia; and

• red ribbon campaign or distribution of red ribbons, the universal symbol of HIV/AIDS awareness, and other related candlelight memorial activities.

 

By Nurse AJ Lozano