At 5:30 pm, a cross section of Belizeans gathered in the Memorial Park to participate in a candlelight vigil. The occasion is World Aids Day, which is being observed under the theme "Make the promise, keep the promise, prevent HIV/Aids." Activities began this morning with a press conference hosted by government, Pan American Health Organization, and the Caribbean Epidemiological Center. The message of urgency was made loud and clear at the event.
Keith Swift Reporting,
3.1 million people worldwide and 27 in Belize, those are just the deaths for this year. It is the third leading cause of death for Belizeans between ages 15 to 29 and the number one killer for Belizeans between ages 40 to 49. But all those are figures we've heard before but its first time the prime minister has admitted that the response is inadequate.
Rt. Hon. Said Musa, Prime Minister of Belize
"The costs are evident: significant loss to our Gross Domestic Product and the erosion of our people's productive capacity with staggering economic impact. This is why all sectors of society must become more involved. Both government and society must share the responsibility."
And all that "shared responsibility" doesn't fall solely on the desk of the Prime Minister.
Sandra Jones, PAHO
"HIV in the Americas is currently a major public health threat. The numbers of people with HIV, and deaths related to Aids, has risen in recent years and are projected to climb further during the coming decades and increase commitment from all levels of society is critical to preventing a dramatic increase in the epidemic by 2015. Countries have recognized the need for a more targeted multi-sectoral response and they have committed to scaling up the fight against HIV."
It's a fight that needs soldiers like Louie Ganzie who performed his HIV awareness anthem at this morning's ceremony. And whether we grip the reality of stigma, discrimination, or death - through music or figures - Musa says we as a nation can no longer ignore the problem.
Rt. Hon. Said Musa,
"HIV/Aids is not just a topic to be ignored with the false perception that it is only destroying the lives of those living in Africa which we so often see and here about."
It's a shared responsibility that won't be solved at a press conference or around a table. And that can be asked for now is that this light of hope will be more than just a symbol.
