Lamin Ceesay, president of Santa-Yalla society, has said that an estimated number of 33 million people are infected with HIV/AIDs, world wide.

Mr. Ceesay made these remarks on Sunday evening at the buffer Zone in Tallinding, while delivering a statement marking the candle light memorial March, which is an annual event observed every 3rd Sunday of May, world wide.

In The Gambia, the network of AIDS societies (GAMNASS), in consultation with support groups in the Greater Banjul Area, observed the day in grand style, punctuated with a march pass by various organisations, from the Churchills Town petrol station to Buffer Zone in Tallinding.

Accordingly, the candle light memorial is a day set aside to educate the public about HIV/AIDS. Mr. Ceesay said the candle light memorial is committed to ending HIV/AIDS by raising awareness and advocating for the advancement of active policies at all levels.

He noted that the program had indentified key areas as its platform, around which it cultivates community advocacy through events and activities such as reducing stigma and descrimination, ensuring access to prevention, treatment, care and support.

Momodou Lamin Badjie, councillor for Jeshwang/Ebo Town ward, deputising for Yankuba Colley, mayor of KMC, hailed GAMNASS and its donor agencies for organising such events.

He described the theme for the occasion as best, noting that the candle light served as an important, uniting intervention among civil societies and their governments, as it breaks down barriers and give hope to the future generations.

“It is our collective responsibility to fight against HIV/AIDS,” said councillor Badjie.

Mr. Badjie, on behalf of his mayor, assured and re-affirmed his council’s commitment and support for activities of these nature, noting that a wealthy nation without a healthy people means less.

Editor,

The war against HIV in The Gambia has undoubtedly reduced the rate of people infected with HIV and a good number are no longer living with the virus.

HIV is a major problem in the African continent and a leading cause of death in Africa, but with the help of the president’s treatment, the mortality rate of the people infected has minimised.

As you may be aware, a large number of people are infected and we must continue reminding ourselves and one another that HIV is a global human tragedy. Therefore, let us collaborate with our able leader to prevent the disease.

The Western world views the epidemic as a African disease because millions of those infected live in Africa. It is important to note that HIV has no geographical boundary.

People should be careful and honest with their partners in order to reduce the rate of HIV in The Gambia and give appropriate support to others.

Our hero is President Yahya Jammeh who has been able to discover a therapy. My fellow Gambians, let us be proud of our president and congratulate him for bringing hope to the lives of the sick.

Musa SK Sallah
Banjul