BEIRUT — “This is not simply a candlelight event. It is a celebration, albeit a painful one, as we commemorate people who have passed away because of [AIDS], but there is some joy and hope for the people living with it,” said Nadia Badran, executive director of SIDC (Soins Infirmiers et Developpement Communautaire), at a candlelight memorial for those infected with AIDS virus.

SIDC provides health care, treatment and support to people living with and affected by HIV/AIDS [PLWH]. 

The memorial, which took place at the Beirut Souks on June 8, was the seventh in which SIDC took part, organizing it in conjunction with the International AIDS Candlelight Memorial, an annual event held on the third Sunday in May. This year's vigil was held around the world on May 19, but because that date fell during Ramadan this year, the memorial in Lebanon was postponed until early June.

Organizers estimate that around 200 people attended the event, some traveling from elsewhere in the country to participate. Other institutions, such as Vivre Positif, an association working with people infected with HIV, were also involved.