National Bank of Malawi (NBM) held a candlelight memorial to honour people who died and are affected by the HIV and Aids pandermic.
The ceremony was held as the bank held activities to mark its annual Sports Day event which this year took place at Moneymen Sports Complex in Blantyre.
NBM deputy chief executive Officer Mac Fussy Kawawa led the NBM family in lighting the candles.
This was followed by a minute silence to remember those who died because of the scourge.
NBM Peer Educator Felister Malimusi said the International Aids Candlelight Memorial is one of the world’s oldest and largest grassroots mobilisation campaigns for HIV awareness.
“The day serves as a community mobilisation campaign to raise social consciousness about HIV and reminds us of the impact that HIV still has on our lives. The Memorial emphasises the need for people living with and affected by HIV to join hands and work together in the response to HIV,” said Malimusi.
She said this year’s theme is: Engage, Educate, Empower.
“We all have a duty to engage people, communities, governments and donors in ending the epidemic, educate the current and next generation about HIV, treatment, prevention and care, and how it affects our lives and empower people living with HIV in all their diversity to stand up for their right to live a life free of stigma and discrimination.”
“Only when involving people living with HIV can resources be used efficiently to provide a sustainable HIV response for universal access to quality health and social services,” said Malimusi.
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