Last night, the city of Brighton & Hove witnessed a deeply moving ceremony in honor of those lost to HIV/AIDS. The annual Brighton AIDS Memorial Vigil, organised by the Brighton & Hove World AIDS Day Community Partnership, brought together hundreds of community members in a powerful show of solidarity and remembrance.
The event, marked by a solemn candlelight vigil, was held in a space that offered tranquility and reflection. Participants gathered to honor the memory of friends, family, and community members whose lives were tragically cut short. One of the most poignant moments of the evening was the reading of names, a touching tribute that gave a personal dimension to the loss felt by the community.
Adding to the emotional weight of the evening, Peter Kyle MP,took to Twitter to express his sentiments. “Remembering every life cut short by AIDS,” he tweeted, reflecting on the significance of the event. His words resonated with those in attendance, emphasizing the importance of both remembrance and continued awareness.
The Brighton AIDS Memorial Vigil is not just an event for mourning; it also serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing fight against HIV/AIDS and the need for continued support, education, and research. It underscores the community’s commitment to standing in solidarity with those affected by the disease and to remembering those who have been lost.
As the candles flickered in the night, they illuminated not only the faces of those in attendance but also the enduring spirit of a community united in both grief and hope. The vigil in Brighton & Hove serves as a beacon of remembrance, a solemn reminder of the past, and a hopeful glance towards a future free from HIV/AIDS.
Councillor Bruno De Oliveira, chair of the Health & Wellbeing Board, said: “World AIDS Day is a call to remember all those who have died from an AIDS-related illness.
“Thanks to scientific advances, today people living with HIV can do so without fear of ever developing AIDS or passing it on – if they are taking medication.
“And to do so they need to know their status. HIV hasn’t gone away, and we all have a role to play in getting tested regularly.
“We are a UK Fast Track City, a global initiative to end HIV as a public health threat, and we have made great progress towards our goals and new HIV diagnoses continue to fall.
“This has only been possible through our close work with the NHS and organisations including Lunch Positive, the Martin Fisher Foundation and the Sussex Beacon.
“We are proud that our city is at the cutting edge of testing and treatment and urge people to get tested now to keep themselves and loved ones safe.”
