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Aligarh (21.5.2007): The 24th International AIDS Candlelight Memorial Day late Sunday was observed by the AIDS Cell, Ibn Sina Academy, Aligarh , in association with the Indian Medical Association (Aligarh Branch) and The Global Health Council ( Washington , USA ). The candlelight march was started from NRSC Club of Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh , through main roads of the city till the residence of District Magistrate (DM) where a memorandum regarding some facts about HIV / AIDS with few demands was submitted for prompt action. The procession saw more than 300 people holding candles, banners and posters. Every third Sunday in May, communities around the world gather to light candles in memory of those affected by the HIV/AIDS pandemic. The annual International AIDS Candlelight Memorial, a program of the Global Health Council, is one of the oldest and largest campaigns for AIDS awareness in the world.

Dr. Syed Ziaur Rahman, Candlelight Coordinator, told that this is being organized in Aligarh first time and the theme of this year candlelight memorial was "Leading the Way to a World Without AIDS". Before the procession, a programme with brief Introduction of the event followed by guest lectures on HIV/AIDS was arranged.

A panel of eminent physicians comprising of Dr. Raj Kumar, Dr. Rajeev Sharma, Dr. Pradeep Kumar, Dr. Rajeev K. Varshney, Dr. Rajeev Gupta, Dr. M. Ather Ansari and Dr. Monil Singhai answered many questions raised by general public and students. Earlier, a photo display of memorials, posters, books and CD ROMs from all around the world was inaugurated by Mr. U. C. Tiwari, District Judge (DJ). Students of Aligarh Muslim University including members of the Drug Society, JN Medical College decorated the symbolic red ribbon with candlelight which was looking very elegant. Many renowned citizens of Aligarh including community health workers, social activists, doctors, teachers, students, researchers, business people and concerned individuals were part of the programme. Hakim Syed Zillur Rahman, President AIDS Cell of the Ibn Sina Academy and Dr. S. P. Sharma, Vice President UP State IMA were also a part of the campaign.
 
Many representatives of diverse organizations were involved for the success of the above programme. The role of following organizations is worth mentioning: AIDS Cell, Ibn Sina Academy, Indian Medical Association, Aligarh Branch, Rotary Club, Aligarh Branch, Lions Club, Aligarh Branch, Vyapar Mandal, Bharat Vikas Parishad, Aligarh Chartered Accountant Association, Ahimsa Foundation, Jain Samaj, Aligarh Aikta Jaycees, Agarawal Samaj, Varshney Yuva Sangathan, Varshney Samaj, Agarawal Yuva Sangathan, Drug Society, JN Medical College of AMU, Homeopathic Medical Association, National Integrative Medical Association, Aligarh Gram Bank Association and Medical Representatives Association.

It was resolved in the meeting that NACO should take much responsibility in expanding the efforts at par with the magnitude of the problem. The health system must reach out to the poorest and most marginalized people affected by the AIDS epidemic, so that they can receive free HIV testing in their first contact with a health care provider, if they are showing possible symptoms of HIV, or as routine screening for pregnant women and people with tuberculosis. We should not neglect and deny the basic human rights of people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWA) in India . In the memorandum, it was asked the government to lower the cost of medicines used for treating AIDS. Generate “Centres” in Aligarh for HIV testing and counseling people with HIV. Take steps to protect their health and that of their partners, and helps people who test positive. There is need of expansion of existing VCCTC and PPTCT in Aligarh .

There is also a need of opening of CD4 test Centre, ART Centre, STI Clinics and availability of full time AIDS counselors who must respond to the needs of HIV+ people in Aligarh . Get the information they need to stay uninfected and healthy. There are many organizations working in the field of HIV/AIDS in Aligarh District, promote such nonprofit HIV/AIDS organization(s) in Aligarh; help them to continue to provide their services and information to those in need. Public support is important to their survival. There is need to organize meaningful functions at district level on World AIDS Day (1st December); National HIV Testing Day (27th June); World AIDS' Orphans Day (7th May), etc. and intensive awareness campaigns in the red-light areas.