PRESS RELEASE: May 18, 2025 the International AIDS Candlelight Memorial Day 2025

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PRESS RELEASE

On May 18, 2025, the NGO Estonian Network of People Living with HIV (EHPV) (www.ehpv.ee) will commemorate the International AIDS Candlelight Memorial Day under the 2025 theme of remembrance, resilience, and leadership: “We Remember. We Rise. We Lead.”

Inspired by the remarkable leadership of people living with HIV in a rapidly changing world, we remain committed to being bold leaders today — especially as our organization celebrates its 20th anniversary this year.

The International AIDS Candlelight Memorial, held annually on the third Sunday of May since 1983, provides people around the world with an opportunity to come together to remember those lost to AIDS and to reaffirm their commitment to supporting people living with HIV everywhere.
Events held on this day around the world help raise awareness about HIV and ensure access to life-saving treatment, allowing us to live.

This year’s theme is: “We Remember. We Rise. We Lead.”

These three key words — remembrance, resilience, and leadership — unite us, the leaders of PLHIV communities, to collectively honor those we have lost, recognize the impact they’ve made in bringing us to this point, and draw strength and inspiration to continue leading into the future with determination to end the AIDS epidemic.

It is time to shift the narrative surrounding HIV and AIDS.

We aim to speak openly about self-stigmatization and the pain it causes, the growing need for mental health services, and the incredible power of self-worth, self-love, and solidarity in improving healthcare accessibility and utilization. We believe in the importance of openly discussing these issues to achieve the quality of life we deserve.

Thanks to advances in modern medicine, HIV infection is now considered a chronic condition rather than a fatal one. People living with HIV who start antiretroviral (ARV) treatment on time and follow medical guidance can live long and fulfilling lives. Although there is no cure for AIDS, its progression can be managed. In Estonia, ARV medications are accessible, and therefore HIV/AIDS should be treated as a medical condition — not a death sentence.

Our shared vision is of a world with no new HIV infections, no discrimination against people living with HIV, and no AIDS-related deaths. Achieving this vision requires sustained investments and a commitment from both policymakers and the public to address these issues openly and honestly.

The Candlelight Memorial helps mobilize communities and raise public awareness about HIV and AIDS. Today, with over 38 million people living with HIV globally, the Memorial remains a powerful platform for global solidarity, helping to break the barriers of stigma and discrimination while offering hope to new generations.

More information is available at: www.ehpv.ee

JOIN US VIRTUALLY THIS YEAR

LIGHT A VIRTUAL CANDLE
Honor the memory of someone lost to AIDS by lighting a virtual candle on the
International AIDS Candlelight Memorial website:
Light a Candle

Join us in remembering those we’ve lost, so we can continue creating events and opportunities that keep us safe, healthy, and alive.
Use social media to share your stories and messages of support using the hashtags #CandlelightMemorial and #PLHIVLeadersNow, and tag us @ehpv to ensure maximum visibility.

The NGO Estonian Network of People Living with HIV (EHPV), as the national coordinator of the Candlelight Memorial in Estonia, leads efforts to strengthen the leadership of people living with HIV (PLHIV) as part of a sustainable, people-centered, and long-term HIV response aimed at controlling the epidemic.

Our Goals:

  • To end AIDS-related deaths, stop new HIV infections, and protect the lives of people living with HIV by revitalizing the PLHIV movement and advocating for guaranteed access to treatment and quality of life for all people living with and affected by HIV.

 

WRITE A LETTER

Write a letter to yourself or in memory of someone you’ve lost on the International AIDS Candlelight Memorial website:

Option 1: Tribute to someone you loved and lost to AIDS

  • Three things you loved about them.
  • Three things you want to tell them about how you continue living or working with HIV.
  • A simple message to the world about how people can support you and others living with HIV.

Option 2: A love letter to yourself

  • Three ways you’ve hurt yourself, and how you plan to heal.
  • Three things you love about yourself.
  • One piece of advice you want to give your future self.

We hope that, unlike the HIV epidemic — which society failed to fully address in its time — the COVID-19 pandemic will change the way people perceive all virus-related social challenges.
It is essential to support those who strive to overcome these issues, regardless of age, gender, or circumstances. For people living with HIV, it has long been clear that viruses do not forgive complacency. On this day, we hope that understanding reaches everyone.

JOIN US ON MAY 18 TO REMEMBER THOSE LOST TO AIDS:

  1. Light a memorial candle on your terrace, balcony, garden, or another meaningful place.
  2. Remember your loved ones, friends, or acquaintances lost to AIDS, and offer a prayer for them.
  3. Share your memories and photos on social media, and don’t forget to include the hashtag #ehpv or tag us @EHPV — NGO Estonian Network of People Living with HIV.

 

Contact Information:

  • In Russian: +372 5870 6070
  • In Estonian: +372 5557 8131
  • In English: +372 5557 8131
  • Email: ehpv@ehpv.ee

In solidarity with you during this challenging time,
NGO Estonian Network of People Living with HIV (EHPV)