43rd International AIDS Candlelight Memorial Day observed
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, May 18 2026: The 43rd International AIDS Candlelight Memorial Day 2026 was observed under the theme "Light the Legacy: Remember, Advance and Act" at Manipur Press Club, Imphal and several other places yesterday.

The observance at the Manipur Press Club, organised by Manipur Network for Positive People (MNP+) was attended by Angelina Renita R, Project Director MACS; Dr Kh Lokeshwar, Medical Superintendent JNIMS; and Salam Udita Devi, general secretary MNP+ .

Speaking at the gathering, MNP+ president Deepak Leimapokpam said the International AIDS Candlelight Memorial is observed every third Sunday of May month.

It was first observed in 1983 .

This worldwide observance remembers people who have lost their lives to AIDS related illnesses.

It shows solidarity with people living with HIV and affected families, Deepak said.

"The International AIDS Candlelight Memorial is not only a remembrance event, but a call for awareness, compassion and collective action to fight HIV/AIDS," Deepak added.

The Manipur User Collection (MUC) and Vision of Hope also observed the day at the latter's office at Khonghampat Mantri Leikai.

At the observance.

Community Network for Employment (CoNE) general secretary RK Nalinikanta called on people to stand in solidarity with people affected by HIV/AIDS and to collectively face it.

MUC chairperson Salam Goutam, vice chairperson Ksh Basanta Kumar, User Manipur president Maibam Jogesh, Vision of Hope chief functionary Soraisam Gobi, advisor Irengbam Rajiv attended the observance.

Nirvana Foundation also observed the day at its facility at Khurai Tinsid Road, Imphal.

Speaking at the observance, Nirvana Foundation's secretary, Sobhana Sorokhaibam, called on people to collectively dismantle discrimination, fear, and stigma surrounding HIV.

Sobhana expressed solidarity with people affected by HIV/AIDS and called for their better access to treatment, care, and mental health support system.

Comment