LEADING THE WAY TO A WORLD WITHOUT AIDS
International AIDS Candlelight Memorial 2007 in Emali
By Rayola Osanya-Nyynéque
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The International AIDS Candlelight Memorial (IACM) is held every year to remember those whose lives have been taken by AIDS and to express solidarity with those who live with HIV. This year, the HOPE
worldwide Kenya Youth Program outlet in Makindu town, the Makindu Centre Of Hope, descended on the town of Emali to raise the clarion call to remember the departed and support the infected.
A slightly overcast day was brought to life by the vibrant and vociferous procession of peer educators, HWWK staff, support group members and other partners along the highway and through the town of Emali. Several in the procession held placards, many of which bore the theme for this year’s International AIDS Candlelight Memorial, “Leading The Way To A World Without AIDS.”
Once back at the site for the main events, there were skits by trained peer educators from Makindu, from two support groups of people living with HIV, a poem by a local youth, dancing and rapping.
The event brought together several partner NGO’s and community groups, representatives from which addressed the audience.
Cyrus Mwanzia of ACT Now VCT from Makindu described the various activities the organization conducts for those living with HIV and said, “We are fully supportive of those living with HIV and take this opportunity to join with the rest of the world in remembering those who have died as a result of AIDS.”
A member of the support group that is hosted at ACT Now, known as Tegemeo, gave this call to all, “Don’t leave here without knowing your HIV status. And when you get home, talk to people about HIV and how to stop its spread.”
Speaking next, Joseph of the Makindu support group declared, “In many cases it is not HIV but stress that kills people. HIV is controllable, manageable and treatable. So get to know your status and then take steps to live healthily with your status.”
Rayola of HWWK Makindu program outlet, addressed the gathering thus, “It is not enough to come to events like this and participate; we must each identify what we can do in leading the way to a world without AIDS and then do it.”
The concluding speaker was World Provision VCT Emali’s Patrick, who thanked HWWK, expressing, “We are together as we continue to combat HIV.”
As much as the event served to remind all of those who have died due to AIDS, it was also a celebration of life and light, and the youth who had been rapping turned MC’s and the platform opened up to dancing by HWWK staff, support group members and others in an explosion of enthusiasm and energy.
Four cakes were then cut as candles were lit and the gathering was led in somber, moving prayer and hymns in honour of those whose lives have been claimed as a result of AIDS.
As the official events drew to a close, clients started to stream in for VCT services, an inspiring step as knowing one’s status is one the most important steps in leading the way to a world without AIDS.
