Candle light march for AIDS victim

Dr Browne made this statement at the International AIDS Candlelight Memorial ceremony at Larry Gomes Savannah in Arima on Sunday.

He added, the battle against HIV can only be won by genuine collaboration, consistent building of partnerships and by people working together against the common enemy.

“It is time to get with the programme. It is time to look within ourselves and ask, ‘what can I do better, how can I reduce my risk, how can I better support someone who is living with HIV’,” Dr Browne said.

“Citizens all have their personal heroes in the struggle to master this virus.

“This event is an opportunity to hold them closer in memory and reality. It gives us the chance to pledge to do more and do it better.”

According to Dr Browne, there is hope for a cure and people must acknowledge this and embrace it.

“The signs of hope are becoming clearer month after month. Already they have documented a 60 percent decrease in deaths due to AIDS, which means that those affected are able to live longer, more productive lives,” Dr Browne said.