World AIDS Day 2016
1 Dec 2016
Participants light candles during a July 19 interfaith prayer service, held at the Roman Catholic Emmanuel Cathedral in Durban, South Africa, during the 2016 International AIDS Conference
The Lutheran World Federation (LWF) and its member churches worldwide mark World AIDS Day in 2016 by showing their continued support towards the global United Nations goals of zero new infections, zero AIDS-related deaths and zero discrimination. The Lutheran communion affirms its ongoing response to the crisis which includes access to treatment for the most vulnerable among those affected, livelihood support, education, advocacy and prayer.
An estimated 37 million people globally live with HIV, and this year alone, according to UNAIDS. In all, 1.2 million people have died from AIDS-related diseases. Half of all people living with HIV are unaware of their status.
World AIDS Day is a time to remember people who have died from AIDS-related illnesses and those living with HIV.
World AIDS Day liturgy
This liturgy, prepared by the HIV and AIDS network of LWF member churches in Latin America and the Caribbean, continues the motto, "God will defend the weak and will take their justice". It raises awareness of the reality of HIV, affirms solidarity with people and families living with HIV and calls for respect for human dignity.
Participants light candles during a July 19 interfaith prayer service, held at the Roman Catholic Emmanuel Cathedral in Durban, South Africa, during the 2016 International AIDS Conference
