Countering silence, ignorance and fear in the face of HIV. To this end, candles will be lit at the public gathering in Caudan. à Port-Louis, on the evening of May 18, and Blakkayo, Sayaa, Richard Beaugendre and Vwayel will bring a sober musical ambience to the event. ZA
Once again this year, Mauritius will be part of the global chain observing the International AIDS Candlelight Memorial. Especially as the news is grim : the 549 cases officially recorded in 2024 represent a 44% increase on 2023. The main mode of contamination remains unprotected sexual intercourse between heterosexuals , with the peak in the 25-34 age group.
Candlelight is an expression of support for those infected and affected. It also pays tribute to the memory of those who have died as a result of the disease. In Mauritius, an average of 200 people die each year, despite the treatment and care available. Stigmatization, other people’s opinions and discrimination are among the factors that keep patients away from care. Launched by the PILS association a few weeks ago, following a survey carried out in Mauritius and Rodrigues, the Stigma Index report shows that people living with HIV are still affected by judgment and disenfranchisement.
Enough silence,ignoranceand fearwill be the theme of Candlelight 2025. Several organizations involved in the fight against HIV, against drugs and for the respect of human rights have formed a platform, so that the event – scheduled from 6pm – will have an impact on the population. Speeches, music, screening tests and information dissemination are on the program, and the evening will end with the lighting of candles – the same gesture that will be performed around the world on Sunday, May 18.
