Almaty
Kazakhstan
Almaty AIDS Memorial Quilt since 22 May 2015
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World AIDS Victim's Remembrance Day
On May 20th, 2018, the Global Health Research Center of Central Asia (GHRCCA) participated in World Remembrance Day for AIDS Victims. This special day is intended to remind people of the negative impact of AIDS and the importance of coming together to reduce and fight the disease.  In 2016 there were approximately 2,000 deaths from AIDS in Kazakhstan alone, according to UNAIDS.org, in addition to tens of thousands more affected with the disease, including many children.  There were also 2,900 new HIV diagnoses in Kazakhstan that year.
This year, participants in Kazakhstan knit quilts displaying the names of the victims who passed away, and presented the quilts at a commemorative parade.  Marchers in the parade included families of AIDS victims, students of the distinguished Asfendiyarov Kazakh National Medical University, and doctors from the Almaty City AIDS Center. AIDS victims also engaged in a joyous flash mob to add some lightness to the event, which was set in the breathtaking mountainous venue of Medeo.
AIDS remains an important issue worldwide and in Kazakhstan. 36.7 million people worldwide live with the disease officially and many more unofficially.  Unfortunately, the number affected continues to rise dramatically, particularly in Central Asia.  This shows the enormity of the challenge before us, solutions to which we all must contribute.
Photo (c) GHRCAA

20 May 2018
GHRCAA, Almaty