On May 18, 2025, the world will mark the International AIDS Candlelight Memorial — one of the longest-running campaigns for HIV awareness globally. Coordinated by the Global Network of People Living with HIV (GNP+), the Memorial brings together communities in over 100 countries to honor those lost to AIDS, support people living with HIV, and renew the global commitment to end the epidemic.
Launched in 1983, the Candlelight Memorial began as a grassroots response during the early days of the HIV crisis. What started as a small vigil in San Francisco has since become a global movement, united by remembrance and action.
This year’s theme — “We Remember. We Rise. We Lead.” — emphasizes memory, resilience, and leadership. Inspired by the recent PLHIV Leadership Summit, it calls for bold, visible leadership from people living with HIV to drive change in a rapidly evolving world. We remember the lives and activism of those we have lost, honor the strength of our communities, and commit to leading the way toward justice, inclusion, and access to healthcare.
Despite progress, the HIV response remains off track. In 2023, 630,000 people died from AIDS, 1.3 million people acquired HIV, and over 9 million people still lacked access to lifesaving treatment. These numbers reflect systemic failures, but they can be changed through empowered PLHIV leadership and solidarity with allies and governments.
Everyone is encouraged to participate. Light a candle, write a letter, organize a local event, or join the global campaign online. Share your messages on social media using #CandlelightMemorial and #PLHIVLeadersNow, and tag @gnpplus to raise visibility.
This is more than a day of remembrance — it is a call to action. VirusOFF calls on countries across our region to join this movement, to honor those we have lost, and to stand with people living with HIV in the fight for dignity, access, and justice. Together, we remember. Together, we rise. Together, we lead.