On 21 July, 2019 Malawi held this year’s International AIDS Candlelight Memorial (IACM) in Zomba district at Nasawa Technical College ground.
IACM is an annual global commemoration in remembrance of people who died from AIDS and renew commitment to fight the pandemic, stigma and discrimination among those infected and affected by it. The commemoration is held on every third Sunday of May. However, Malawi commemorated the day on 21 July as this year’s third Sunday of May was too close to the Tripartite Elections.
YONECO participated in the event and mounted a pavilion where the institution showcased how it provides HIV/AIDS support to people across the country. Furthermore, YONECO Cultural Troupe which is very instrumental is raising awareness about HIV and AIDS was also present and performed a number of thematic traditional songs and a drama performance against stigma and discrimination.
This year’s IACM was commemorated under the theme; ‘Intensifying the fight for Health and Rights”.
The Guest of Honour to the function was the Chief of Health Services in the Ministry of Health and Population – Dr Charles Mwansambo.
The Guest of Honour thanked all partners in the National Response for their efforts to reduce the impact of the pandemic in the country; however, he stated that a lot more should be done to achieve the UNAIDS Fast Track 90:90:90 targets by the year 2030.
