Zimbabwe AIDS Network (ZAN) and its network members will on Thursday the 2nd of July 2009, join the nation and world at large in commemorating the 26th anniversary of the Annual International Candlelight Memorial to be held at Town House, City of Harare, from 4 pm - 7pm.

The Candlelight memorial is the largest and oldest grassroots awareness and mobilization campaign for HIV and AIDS, aimed at remembering those who have died of AIDS and by so doing, supporting those who are living with HIV and AIDS. Locally, Zimbabwe AIDS Network, its member organizations and members of the public, will come together in this memorial.. The commemorations present an opportunity to share information, influence policy makers and to create community dialogue about the disease. Each year, Memorials take place in over 3000 communities worldwide.

This year’s theme, “TOGETHER WE ARE THE SOLUTION” says it all. Given the effects of the HIV and AIDS epidemic, despite vigorous responses from community based organizations, non-governmental organizations, faith based organizations and the private sector; there has been the realization that, victory can not be achieved without the involvement of the general populace. It is thus everyone’s social responsibility to join in the fight against HIV and AIDS, for “TOGETHER WE ARE THE SOLUTION”. ZAN is therefore inviting the whole nation to join in this commemoration. Families can also actively take part in the commemoration through symbolically lighting the candles for the duration of the commemorations.

The build up to the event will begin on the 30th of June with three days of exhibitions along First Street and G Silundika and this will see the lighting of a big candle and displaying of HIV and AIDS related material. The actual Memorial will be on the 2nd of July at 2pm. To take part in exhibitions organizations can confirm on zan-manyeza@zol.co.zw or phone Obert Manyeza on 011442809/796640.

Contact details: Obert Manyeza

Email: zan-manyeza@zol.co.zw