Candle-lit vigils across India mark the start of Global AIDS Week

More than 1,000 people gathered for a candlelight AIDS memorial in the Indian capital, Delhi, on Sunday evening to mark the start of Global Aids Week.

The vigil was one of eight city-centre events to be held across India marking the deaths of the more than four million people who have succumbed to the virus in the country so far.

They helped kick-off Global Aids Week, which involves more than 25 countries across the world demanding more resources to fight HIV&AIDS and raise awareness of the perspectives and priorities of people living with the virus.

Attended by a cross-section of the public, including many HIV-positive people, their families and supporters, the vigil was also organised to help maintain pressure on G8 countries to honour their 2005 pledge of universal treatment for all.

“This is not just about raising awareness but about campaigning for what governments promised us two years ago,” said ActionAid campaign coordinator Aditi Sharma.

“It started with the G8 summit in Gleneagles – a movement to achieve universal access to treatment and prevention tools such as condoms and education. What we need is a comprehensive approach. G8 set a target for 2010 – that’s only a few years away. The next G8 meeting is in June. It’s time for them to show us they mean business”. 

Governments worldwide are falling behind the internationally-accepted targets for AIDS treatment. Each day, 8,000 people living with HIV/AIDS die and 13,000 become HIV-positive. 

“Things have come a long way,” said Celina D’Costa, National Advocacy Officer for the Indian Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS and herself HIV-positive. “The stigma of having AIDS has been greatly reduced, especially in the cities. But what we now need is for everyone affected to have access to treatment.”

Actress and social activist, Nafisa Ali, was guest of honour at Sunday’s memorial event in Delhi and one of several people who addressed the crowd.

Also present was Indian MP, Jesu Das Seelam. “We are here to send a message to all those suffering and affected by HIV/AIDS – the message is that we are here with you,” he said. 

Parliamentarians met members of ActionAid and other organisations working on HIV/AIDS to learn more about the fight against AIDS and how it can best be supported.

Photos credit: David Orr/ActionAid