CANDLELIGHT SERVICE TO COMMEMORATE WORLD AIDS DAY
HRPP Leader Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi at the candlelight
ceremony for HIV & Aids
Photo: Government Of Samoa
A candlelight service was conducted in the early hours of Thursday
this week, to commemorate World Aids Day. The theme for this year
2022 "Achieving Equity to End HIV"
A huddle of people gathered under the Town Clock of Apia around 4am in
a ceremony to memorialize the victims and awareness of HIV Aids. The
formalities started off with the President of the (S.F.A) Samoa
Faafafine Association Alex Su'a who spoke heavily on the significance
of the commemoration.
" This is a way to signify our commitment as Samoa Fa'afafine
Association (S.F.A) and being a part of this activism. That is also
celebrated by our Government and Civil Society" stated Alex Su'a
For a few years now Samoa Fa'afafine Association has always been the
organisation who have advocated for HIV & Aids Awareness. The
President also highlighted that to date was the first anniversary of
their participation and commitment to their "Faafafine" and added
"Faafatama" to their activism.
The Minister of Health Valasi Luapitofanua To'ogamaga Tafito Selesele
in speech shed light on the Samoa Fa'afafine Association on their
contribution. He acknowledged the advocacy work that they have served
and breaking the silence in HIV & Aids Discrimination.
"The S.F.A has had a huge role played in this commemoration, I
compliment their hard work and for being strong participants " stated
the Minister of Health
"It was not easy when this Association was being pointed fingers at ,
but it did not stop them from pushingb to advocate for HIV & Aid" he
added.
Amongst the crowd Human Rights Protection Party Leader Tuilaepa
Sailele Malielegaoi attended the service. He is no stranger to the
public in his support and assistance to the Samoa Faafafine
Association.
Candles were then lit and hymns were sung in the finishing moments of
the ceremony. Families and friends gathered for group photos and light
refreshments.