Ministry of Health Annual Candlelight Vigil

Advertisement

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – Commemorating the 37th World AIDS Day, this year’s theme is “Collective Action: Sustain and Accelerate HIV Progress.” The Bahamas AIDS Foundation held a candlelight vigil at the Ministry of Health and Wellness courtyard on Friday evening in remembrance and honor of those affected by the disease.

Arame Ford-Strachan – President, Bahamas AIDS Foundation
“This vigil is a powerful reminder that we are not alone in this fight. We are united by our shared humanity and a collective hope for a world without stigma, a world without fear.”

Dr. Eldonna Boisson of PAHO/WHO shared sobering statistics about the impact of HIV/AIDS in the region.

Dr. Eldonna Boisson – Representative, PAHO/WHO
“In 2023 alone in Latin America and the Caribbean, about one hundred and thirty-five thousand people acquired the virus, and about thirty-five thousand lives were lost to AIDS-related causes.”

Despite the challenges, Dr. Boisson acknowledged the strides made in The Bahamas.

Dr. Eldonna Boisson – Representative, PAHO/WHO
“On this World AIDS Day, we actually acknowledge the progress that we’ve made. The Bahamas has actually made significant strides raising awareness, increasing access to treatment, and in reducing the transmission of HIV.”