On May 15, we remember people who have died of AIDS, and we also thank everyone who supports people living with HIV and their loved ones.
The International AIDS Candlelight Memorial was initiated by people living with HIV in 1983, and since 2011 it has been coordinated by the Global Network of People Living with HIV – GNP+. For the 38 million people living with HIV worldwide today, the Memorial is an important event that demonstrates solidarity, breaks down the barriers of stigma and discrimination, and gives new generations hope for a life without HIV.
Over all these years, civil society organizations around the world have organized thousands of activities, such as ceremonies held in places of worship and workplaces, planting memorial trees, motorcycle rallies by women living with HIV, and so on. On this day, candles and lamps are lit to symbolically commemorate those who have passed away, and HIV/AIDS prevention activities are also conducted.
Non-governmental organizations in Poland also take part in events connected with the Memorial. For several years, sewing a memory patchwork has been a tradition. Zjednoczenie Pozytywni w Tęczy, the organizer of the event, invites people to Plac Zamkowy in Warsaw, where on Sunday, May 15, at 2:00 p.m., it will present a patchwork created through the joint work of non-governmental organizations and other institutions. This happening is also an initiative encouraging active HIV/AIDS prevention and education, as well as care for people living with HIV.
HIV tests: where can you get one anonymously and free of charge?
Free and anonymous tests can be performed at Consultation and Diagnostic Centers (PKD) throughout the country. The nearest PKD is in Zgorzelec at the Wielospecjalistyczny Szpital SPZOZ, 11/12 Lubańska Street, and in Wrocław at 74 Podwale Street and 2 Wszystkich Świętych Street.