World AIDS Day vigil planned for Belfast

BELFAST—December 1 is World AIDS Day. There will be a candlelight vigil in Belfast to honor all who live with the challenge of HIV/AIDS, and to remember loved ones who have died of this disease. Attendees will gather Thursday, Dec. 1, from 4:30 – 5 pm, in Post Office Square, Belfast.

World AIDS Day started in 1988 as the first International Day for world health.

“Covid-19 has demonstrated that no one is safe until everyone is safe,” said Meredith Bruskin, in a news release. “The perseverance and resilience of those who fought to bring the world’s attention to the pandemic of HIV is a power of example to us today. Leaving people behind is not an option, if we are to succeed. Putting people at the center and grounding our response in human rights, gender rights and racial justice are key to ending the colliding pandemics of HIV and Covid-19. Accordingly, in 2022 the international theme is Putting Ourselves to the Test: Achieving Equity to End HIV.”

This annual vigil is sponsored by Camp Chrysalis, a camp in Midcoast Maine for children and their families who are affected by HIV/AIDS in their hearts and/ or bodies.

“Join us,” said Bruskin. “Bring candles and your kind hearts.”