May 21 – International Day of Remembrance of those who died of AIDS

The International Day to Remember People who have died from AIDS is observed annually on the third Sunday of May in many countries around the world.

This day was established exactly 40 years ago, in 1983. It was then that people began to wear red ribbons on their clothes to express their solidarity with those affected by HIV/AIDS and with measures aimed at reducing stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV. This ribbon became an international symbol of the fight against AIDS. At that time, society knew little about HIV infection. Due to fear of the new unknown disease and a lack of scientifically proven information, many myths emerged. It was then that HIV infection was dubbed the "plague," and people with a positive HIV status began to be called "AIDS victims," and these definitions proved to be extremely "persistent."

Initially, this day was called the International AIDS Candlelaight Memorial (candlelight memorial ceremony). The word "victims" is not in the name; it appeared over time as an interpretation of the day's name and the fear of the new disease.

For many years, there was an equal sign between human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and death. Currently, thanks to the achievements of modern medicine, HIV infection has become a chronic, controllable disease: antiretroviral therapy slows the progression of HIV infection and gives people with HIV the opportunity to live a full life. To date, all patients with HIV infection in our country receive therapy free of charge. Therefore, we do not say "victims"; on this day, we remember people who have died from AIDS.

According to statistics from the World Health Organization, there are about 40 million people living with HIV-positive status on the planet today, and since the beginning of the epidemic, more than 40 million people have died from diseases related to HIV infection.

In the Republic of Belarus, more than 24,000 people live with the diagnosis of "HIV infection." Annually, about 2,000 new cases of HIV infection are registered in the country. The largest number of new cases in

in recent years, it has been registered among people aged 30 to 49 years, the sexual route of HIV transmission predominates, accounting for more than 80%.

As of May 1, 2023, 1406 people are living with HIV in the Vitebsk region, 461 people have died.

In the region, the sexual route of transmission prevails – 83% (for the entire observation period). The highest incidence rates are currently in the age groups 30-39 years (35%) and 40-49 years (30%).

The main ideas of the International Day of Remembrance of people who died from AIDS are to support and solidarity with the community of people affected by HIV infection, and to unite and support the efforts of state, public, and international organizations in combating the HIV epidemic.

In 2023, the International Day of Remembrance of people who died from AIDS will be held on May 21 under the slogan: "Spread love and solidarity, not HIV", in other words, "Give love, not HIV". To draw public attention to the problem of HIV infection, as a sign of support and solidarity, events are organized on this day, and memorial services are held in churches.

Mass events, campaigns to encourage HIV testing, and information campaigns in institutions, enterprises, and city venues with the participation of executive committee departments, regional/zonal centers of hygiene and epidemiology, healthcare institutions, and public organizations will be held throughout our region.

We invite all interested and concerned individuals to join the organization and conduct of events dedicated to the International Day of Remembrance of people who died from AIDS.

State Institution "Vitebsk Regional Center for Hygiene,
Epidemiology and Public Health"
Department of HIV/AIDS Prevention