PATIENTS, volunteers, donors and staff gathered at the memory wall in the garden of the Hillcrest AIDS Centre Trust’s (HACT’s) Respite Unit to light candles to commemorate World AIDS Day on Monday, 2 December.
The purpose of the event was to acknowledge those who died from HIV/AIDS and the invaluable contributions the communities make in the battle against the disease.
Fifty three candles were lit and laid out on a table in the gardens to remember the 53 patients who died from HIV and/or cancer in HACT’s Respite Unit since World AIDS Day last year, and for those who have lost the battle with HIV/AIDS since the Respite Unit opened.
Communities Make The Difference is this year’s international World AIDS Day theme. HACT’s CEO, Candace Davidson, urged staff, invited friends, donors and partners from around the world to continue to take action and support all efforts to win the battle against HIV/AIDS.
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“Despite the fact that the numbers of deaths have declined in recent years due to improvements in treatment and awareness, we should all remember that communities make the difference and that the battle is not yet won. Stigma is still a major issue, people still lose their lives and there are still many HIV positive people out there who fail to adhere to their medication,” said HACT’s CEO, Candace Davidson.
“Working alongside the communities we serve has always been an integral part of HACT’s approach to making sure our projects remain relevant and respond to the needs of people infected and affected by the disease. HACT continues to offer essential services within our communities, and we invite our communities to join together to make a difference,” she said.
To support HACT, contact its marketing and fund-raising team on 031 765 5866, email marketing@hillaids.org.za or visit www.hillaids.org.za.
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