Hillcrest AIDS Centre Trust commemorates World Aids Day
The annual Candle Lighting and Remembrance ceremony at the Hillcrest AIDS Centre Trust was held this morning to commemorate World Aids Day.
HILLCREST AIDS Centre Trust (HACT) staff and patients came together outdoors in the Respite and Palliative Care Unit’s memorial garden to remember the lives lost to the disease and to reflect on the successes attained and the challenges faced in the pandemic.
Candace Davidson, CEO of HACT said, “World Aids Day (WAD) is an annual event to pause and reflect on both the progress and ongoing challenges in the global epidemic of HIV and Aids. Our Candle Lighting and Remembrance ceremony, held in HACT’s garden, is where staff and supporters reflect and re-commit to the ongoing work of reducing vulnerability, promoting education and equitable health services, and caring for people living with HIV and Aids. The day will also remember each and every one of the 65 lives lost within HACT’s inpatient unit over the past year.”
The Hillcrest-based NGO was founded in 1990 by the Hillcrest Methodist Church, to respond to the HIV/Aids epidemic. The organisation offers information about HIV prevention and education, testing and counselling, a respite unit offering palliative care, family strengthening services, and economic empowerment programs.
Davidson went on to say that HIV remains a public health issue that affects millions, that KZN and eThekwini are still an epicentre for the disease, and that the global response to the pandemic had become endangered through the impact of Covid-19.
“Over the last few years, progress towards HIV goals has stalled, resources have shrunk, and millions of lives are at risk as a result. Many people don’t realise that HIV remains a global and local health crisis, especially due to factors of increased risk, gender-based violence, disparity and stigma,” Davidson said.
HACT is calling on everyone to boldly recognise and address the inequalities that are holding back progress in ending Aids and to equalise access to HIV services, particularly for children and those most at risk.
Davidson thanked HACT’s partners who continue to support and strengthen its holistic services to address HIV and Aids.
For more information, go to www.hillaids.org.za or call 031 765 5866.
