Fight Aids Monaco Honors Lost Loved Ones, Warns of Complacency in AIDS Awareness
Despite meaningful medical advancements, the global fight against AIDS remains critical, as highlighted by a moving ceremony held at the Oceanographic Museum in Monaco this week. The event, organized by Fight Aids Monaco, served as a poignant reminder of those lost to the disease and a stark warning about growing complacency, notably among young people.
On monday, four affiliates of Fight Aids Monaco read aloud the names and ages of individuals who succumbed to AIDS – “Alain, 32 years; farid, 54 years old; Ariel, 7 years old; Élisabeth, 47 years old…” – their voices echoing through the room as a Barbra Streisand rendition of “Memories” played in the background. Princess Stéphanie, chair of the association, and her daughter Camille Gottlieb were present, underscoring the royal family’s commitment to the cause.
The ceremony featured the unveiling of eight of the 15 quilts created by Fight Aids Monaco affiliates. Each quilt is comprised of eight canvases, bearing the name of a person who died from AIDS-related complications. This artistic tradition, originating in San Francisco in 1985, emerged during a time when individuals with HIV faced intense stigma and marginalization. “Quilting helps teach compassion, overcome taboos, fight stigma,” explained Agnès, an affiliate of Fight Aids Monaco.”It allows us to see not a disease or a set of statistics, but a mother, a father, a child, a brother, a sister, a spouse, a friend.” Each quilt represents approximately 170 hours of dedicated labour, embodying a powerful testament to remembrance and humanity.
The emotional weight of the event was palpable. Christina, a 57-year-old from Nice, bravely shared her story, recounting the recent loss of her husband, Stephan, who died just four months ago. her voice faltered as she spoke his name, “Stephan, 69 ans…” but she persevered, steadfast to honor his memory. Christina, who is also HIV positive, described a harrowing battle with cerebral toxoplasmosis in 2013. “I should have died but the good Lord wanted it otherwise,” she stated.She now benefits from antiretroviral therapy, achieving an “undetectable” status, meaning the virus is dormant and cannot be transmitted. “We can successfully have unprotected sex without risk of transmission,” she affirmed, highlighting the transformative impact of modern medicine.
However, the progress made in treatment is shadowed by a concerning trend: a decline in awareness and preventative measures. Princess Stéphanie noted a “total relaxation since the 2000s,” particularly among younger generations. One individual living with HIV voiced a critical concern, stating, “they no longer pay attention, they are no longer afraid like before because they know there is the medicine. They are the ones who tell us. But They should understand that once you have it, it’s ruined, you can’t recover from it.” The need for increased education and open dialog was a recurring theme.
Christophe Glasser, director of Fight Aids monaco, emphasized that the ceremony was not merely a reflection on the past. “This ceremony is not only about the past. It also says what we refuse to accept today. Because in 2024, AIDS has not disappeared,” he declared, citing alarming statistics: globally, 40 million people are currently living with the virus, over 9 million lack access to essential treatments, and 1.2 million new infections were recorded this year.He stressed that young people, while not lacking courage, often lack access to “reliable facts and simple access to screening clear benchmarks in a world saturated with contradictory messages.”
In response to this urgent need, Princess Stéphanie inaugurated a new weekly screening service for sexually transmitted infections at the Fight Aids Monaco premises, offering a proactive step toward prevention and early detection. This initiative represents a tangible commitment to safeguarding public health and combating the ongoing threat of HIV/AIDS.
Did you know? – Globally, 40 million people live with HIV, and 1.2 million new infections occurred this year.
Pro tip: – Antiretroviral therapy can suppress the virus to an “undetectable” status, preventing transmission through sex.
Reader question: – Fight Aids Monaco warns of declining awareness, especially among young people, despite medical advances.
