Audio from the International AIDS Candlelight Memorial, held at the Tararua Tramping Club in Wellington on 21 May 2017. A special thank you to the organisers and speakers for allowing us to record and share this memorial service.
The service marked the first time Jason Myers had addressed a Candlelight Memorial in his new role of Executive Director of the New Zealand AIDS Foundation. Jason references soon-to-be released HIV statistics. These were subsequently released on 31 May 2017 and showed that 244 people were diagnosed in 2016 - the highest number since records began in 1985.
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The abstract of the "International AIDS Candlelight Memorial (2017)" recording details a memorial service held at the Tararua Tramping Club in Wellington, New Zealand, to honor and remember those affected by HIV/AIDS. The event featured various speakers, including representatives from the Unitarian church, government officials, and members of the LGBTQ+ community, as well as activists and those living with HIV.
The service started with Roger, an ordained Unitarian church minister who read a statement from the Unitarian Universalist Assembly reaffirming the inherent worth and dignity of every person. The statement also emphasized that healthcare must be for all, and denounced the idea of disease as a divine punishment.
Andrew Little, the leader of the Labour Party, shared a supportive message commending the work on HIV and AIDS and stressed the importance of ending AIDS together. They acknowledged the ambitious campaign to end HIV transmission by 2025 through safe sex education, testing, and access to medications such as PrEP.
Various other speakers, including those from political parties and advocacy groups such as the Green Party, shared messages of solidarity and commitment to the cause. The Prime Minister of New Zealand, Bill English, paid tribute to New Zealanders who lost their lives to HIV/AIDS and emphasized the government's support for prevention programs and increased access to medications.
Personal stories were shared, including one from an individual living with HIV for 13 years. They talked about the transformation from initial ignorance and self-loathing to strength and education, which allowed them to live a full and positive life. Another personal narration focused on the importance of supporting individuals living with HIV, not just in words but through tangible actions that ease their lives.
The memorial also featured a memory book and community involvement in remembrance. Participants echoed the need to combat stigma, discrimination, and ignorance, emphasizing the necessity of sharing knowledge and experiences to prevent new infections and support those living with the virus.
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