Event in solidarity with people living with HIV/AIDS to be held in Chisinau

An event in solidarity with people affected by HIV/AIDS will take place on May 19 in the Public Park “Stefan cel Mare” in Chisinau. The event, dedicated to the annual International AIDS Candlelight Memorial, is part of “Because they are like you. Be close to them” Solidarity Campaign. There are expected politicians, local stars and important figures of the cultural life to attend the event. The guests will have the possibility to discuss with HIV infected people, and each person will be given a bracelet with a message on it. During 5 hours, the young persons present at the event will be engaged in interactive activities, helped by the volunteers who will organise contests, dialogues, will distribute materials, will perform social plays etc. It is the first action of this kind organised in Moldova and it aims at raising public awareness of HIV; contributing at creating a tolerant attitude in the society, family, community, medical system and justice. The event is organised by the Aids Foundation SIDA East-West (AFEW), a Dutch non-governmental humanitarian public health organisation, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Metropolitan Seat of Moldova. The event was authorised by the Chisinau City Hall. About 3400 persons living with HIV are officially registered in Moldova. 55% of them are persons aged 20-29.