Memorial held at College of Nursing under this year’s theme
KOHIMA: The International AIDS Candlelight Memorial was observed on Sunday at the College of Nursing in Kohima, bringing together community members to remember lives lost to HIV and renew commitments to support people living with the infection, officials said.
The programme was led by the District AIDS Control unit and featured remarks by District AIDS Control Officer (DISHA), Dr. Chibenthung Kithan, who described the memorial as one of the world’s longest-standing community-led responses to HIV and AIDS.
- Event: International AIDS Candlelight Memorial observed at College of Nursing, Kohima
- Organiser: District AIDS Control (DISHA)
- Theme (2026):
"Light the Legacy: Remember. Advance. Act."
Dr. Kithan said the theme, "Light the Legacy: Remember. Advance. Act.," embodies remembrance for those who have died of AIDS-related illnesses, while also emphasising hope, resilience and responsibility in ongoing prevention and care efforts. He highlighted the need for a combined effort from government agencies, educational institutions, civil society and families to tackle stigma and ensure accessible healthcare and support services for all.
“The observance honours those who lost their lives to AIDS-related illnesses while renewing commitment to support people living with HIV and strengthen efforts to end the epidemic,” officials said, summarising Dr. Kithan’s remarks. He also underscored the contributions of activists, healthcare workers, caregivers and community leaders in shaping the global HIV response.
Focus on stigma reduction and youth engagement
At the Kohima observance, the DISHA officer underlined the continued importance of stigma reduction and community-level support systems. He urged stakeholders to work towards making testing, treatment and counselling services more accessible, and called for inclusive programmes that safeguard the dignity and rights of people living with HIV.
Dr. Kithan drew attention to the role of young people in prevention and social inclusion, saying they play a central part in spreading awareness, promoting safe practices and encouraging empathy within communities. The remarks reiterated a common public-health message that youth engagement is critical to sustaining long-term behavioural change.
Local implications and next steps
Health officials at the memorial highlighted that community-led commemorations serve both commemorative and educational purposes: they remember those lost, recognise current caregivers and galvanise renewed action to curb new infections. The Kohima event therefore aimed to combine symbolic remembrance with calls for tangible service improvements.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Date observed | May 17, 2026 |
| Venue | College of Nursing, Kohima |
| Lead speaker | District AIDS Control Officer, Dr. Chibenthung Kithan |
While the memorial does not replace routine public-health activities, organisers and officials said such events reaffirm commitments to ensuring uninterrupted access to antiretroviral therapy, counselling and support services. They urged residents to adopt non-discriminatory attitudes and to support peers and family members affected by HIV.
Local health authorities and community organisations are expected to continue awareness and outreach activities in the weeks following the memorial, focusing on testing drives, counselling and linking diagnosed individuals to care. The DISHA office has reiterated its availability to coordinate with educational institutions and civil society groups to broaden outreach.
The observance in Kohima forms part of a global candlelight memorial tradition that brings communities together annually to remember lives lost to HIV and to strengthen resolve against the epidemic.
