World AIDS day exhibition at Irish Aid Centre
The 1st December 2008 marks the 20th anniversary of World AIDS Day; a commemorative day aimed at raising public awareness about HIV and AIDS, including the need for support and understanding for people living with HIV.
World AIDS Day is now recognised and observed by millions of people in more than 190 countries around the globe.
‘Lead, empower, deliver’
This year’s theme of ‘lead, empower, deliver’ urges us all to take personal responsibility and to be provocative in tackling HIV. The theme’s positive approach also aims to reduce the stigma surrounding HIV and AIDS. Today the improvements in HIV treatment mean that HIV positive people are now living longer and are capable of having productive lives. However, because of the stigma and discrimination attached to a positive diagnosis, society does not allow the HIV positive community to lead normal productive lives.
Trócaire marks WAD with anti-stigma exhibition
This year, Trócaire is marking World AIDS Day, with an exhibition entitled ‘the one who dries our tears’. The exhibition, partner organisation; the Ethiopian Interfaith Forum, combines the global theme of leadership with the issue of stigma. Church leaders and communities have been active in tackling HIV since the pandemic’s inception and have a particularly important role to play confronting stigma and discrimination. The exhibition, through a series of powerful photographs, illustrates this work in action and is an example of the leadership role and positive example that faith leaders of all denominations can play in addressing HIV related Stigma.
Among the stories depicted in the exhibition is that of Selmawit Kasay and Father Yitbarek Tekelehaimanot. Selmawit, a 24-year- old mother of one and a kiosk owner, became aware of her status accidentally. As active members of the congregation Selamwit and her husband, although unsure of the possible reaction to their news, disclosed their status to their Fr. Yitbarek. Reassuring them both that the church was there to help them Fr Yitbarek, whose church visits sick people regardless of their faith, explains:
‘We all have to work together…We should not say ‘this is my relative’, or ‘this is my countryman’, or ‘this is a stranger’. Rather we should help him or her because he or she is just human. We should help people without discrimination. The virus is not a sin. A child who knows nothing can get the disease while still in the womb – is the child a sinner?’
The Exhibition is on view in the Irish Aid Volunteering Centre, O’ Connell Street, Dublin and will run until Dec 6th.
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