Press Release "Love and Solidarity for Healing and Remembrance"

The long-standing tradition of observing the International Day to Remember People who Died of AIDS on the third Sunday of May will be continued in many countries in 2025. 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 these people.

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year's international slogan: Love and Solidarity for Healing and Remembrance, which calls for shedding prejudices and outdated notions about HIV infection, remembering those who died of AIDS (when HIV treatment was unavailable), and expressing solidarity with people currently living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 live with a positive HIV status and receive free medical support. This primarily includes provision of medications, opportunities for constant laboratory monitoring of treatment effectiveness, and, if necessary, changes in treatment regimens, as well as laboratory and instrumental examinations.

For the entire observation period up to May 1, 2025, 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 People who Died of AIDS, events will be held in all regions of Belarus in open urban spaces, institutions, and organizations.

The Republican event will take place at the Central Botanical Garden. This year, on 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 renewal of a flowerbed in the shape of the International Symbol of HIV infection prevention, and the installation of a plaque near the pine tree planted in 2023 within the "Japanese Garden" exposition. The participation of 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 is expected.

In our region, mass events, campaigns to encourage HIV testing, and information campaigns will also be held everywhere in institutions, enterprises, and city venues with the participation of departments of executive committees, 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.