Press Release "Love and Solidarity for Healing and Remembrance"
The long-standing tradition of observing the International Day to Remember AIDS Victims on the third Sunday of May will continue in 2025 in many countries. In 1991, thanks to Frank Moore, the red ribbon became a symbol of solidarity with people living with HIV infection and measures aimed at reducing stigma and discrimination against them.
In 2025, Belarus supports last year's international slogan: Love and Solidarity for Healing and Remembrance, which calls for shedding prejudices and outdated notions about HIV infection, preserving the memory of those who died of AIDS (when HIV treatment was unavailable), and expressing solidarity with people currently living with HIV.
Currently, over 25,000 people in the Republic of Belarus are living with HIV-positive status and receive free medical support. This primarily includes provision of medications, continuous laboratory monitoring of treatment effectiveness, and, if necessary, changes in treatment regimens, laboratory and instrumental examinations.
As of May 1, 2025, a total of 2087 cases of HIV infection have been registered in the Vitebsk region; 1510 people are living with HIV.
Joint efforts of the state, international, and non-governmental organizations ensure the implementation of preventive measures to reduce the risks of HIV and hepatitis infection among key populations at increased risk of HIV infection, and to foster treatment adherence among people living with HIV.
As part of the International Day to Remember AIDS Victims, events will be held in all regions of Belarus in public urban spaces, institutions, and organizations.
The Republican event will take place at the Central Botanical Garden. This year, at the initiative of the expert council of the Information Strategy on HIV infection, established under the Ministry of Health, with the support of the UN Representation in the Republic of Belarus, a mini-briefing will be held on May 16 on the central alley, the flowerbed in the shape of the International Symbol of HIV Prevention will be updated, and a plaque will be installed near the pine tree planted in 2023 within the "Japanese Garden" exposition. Representatives of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Belarus, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Belarus, the UN Resident Coordinator in the Republic of Belarus, UN agencies accredited in the Republic of Belarus, representatives of healthcare organizations, public associations, and the community of people living with HIV are expected to participate.
Mass events, campaigns to encourage HIV testing, and informational campaigns will also be held throughout our region in institutions, enterprises, and urban areas with the participation of executive committee departments, hygiene and epidemiology centers, healthcare institutions, and public organizations. Memorial services will be held in churches.
We invite all interested and concerned individuals to join the organization and holding of events dedicated to the International Day of Remembrance of people who died from AIDS.