NASSAU, The Bahamas -- The Ministry of Health and Wellness, in observance of World AIDS Day 2022 (December 1, 2022) held a Candlelight Vigil under the global theme: 'Equalize', coined by the World Heath Organization.

The vigil was held in the courtyard of the Ministry of Health and Wellness headquarters on Meeting Street on Wednesday, November 30, 2022.

In attendance and bringing remarks were: Dr. Nikkiah Forbes, Director of the  National HIV/AIDS and Infectious Disease Programme at the Bahamas Ministry of Health and Wellness; and Dr. Gabriel Vivas, PAHO/WHO Advisor in Health Systems and Services.  

A poem “The HIV Monster” was recited by Alexus D’Marco an outreach programme student of the Bahamas AIDS Foundation; and Denise Major of the National AIDS Programme led the lighting of candles segment.   Also present was Lady Barnett, Bahamas AIDS Foundation.

This year’s theme, 'Equalize', implies that everyone should try to end the injustices that, according to UNAIDS, are impeding the efforts to eradicate AIDS.

Furthermore, WHO is calling on global leaders and citizens to “boldly recognize and address the inequalities which are holding back progress in ending AIDS; and equalize access to essential HIV services particularly for children and key populations and their partners -- men who have sex with men, transgender people, people who use drugs, sex workers, and people in prisons.”

BIS Photos/Kristaan Ingraham