Belarus's first memorial to the victims of HIV/AIDS was initiated by the local NGO Alternativa. Svetlogorsk is the region worst affected by HIV/AIDS in Belarus. Although the city accounts for less than 1% of the population of Belarus, it accounts for close to 30% of all the reported cases of HIV infections. The granite column located on the grounds of the city's Orthodox Christian cathedral features a metal plaque with the inscription, "Remember, Live, Be Near". [preliminary text]

Alternativa