2026 THEME
GNP+ marks the 2026 International AIDS Candlelight Memorial by honoring the leadership, courage and resilience of people living with HIV (PLHIV) across generations with the theme ‘LIGHT THE LEGACY. Remember. Advance. Act.‘
Marked every third Sunday of May since 1983, the International AIDS Candlelight Memorial has served as a time for people around the world to come together to honor the lives lost to AIDS and renew commitment to show support for people living with HIV the world over.
This year’s theme calls on PLHIV communities to carry forward the light of those who came before us. Their stories and sacrifices have formed the unshakeable foundation of the HIV movement. We stand together as PLHIV leaders and communities to remember those we have lost, while celebrating their powerful contribution that brought us here, and drawing the inspiration to lead into an uncertain future but determined to end AIDS
LIGHT THE LEGACY. Remember. Advance. Act.
REMEMBER the lives and leadership of PLHIV lost to AIDS and the communities who fought for treatment, dignity and justice.
ADVANCE the scientific progress and PLHIV led interventions, from U=U to expanded treatment access and innovations that will keep us alive.
ACT with urgency to end AIDS deaths, end stigma and discrimination, amplify young PLHIV leadership and ensure no one is left behind as we work toward HIV epidemic control.
For people living with HIV, the Candlelight Memorial is a promise to shape a future where every PLHIV can live and thrive with full dignity, health and rights.
TAKE ACTION AND ENGAGE:
GNP+ Encourages PLHIV networks, allies and those affected by HIV to get involved. More information about the day can be found here including where to light a digital candle for your loved ones, suggestions on how your Network can get involved and materials to help you publicise the Memorial.
Whether you light a candle, write a letter or hold an event, please join us. We would love to know what you are doing. You will find a form on the website where you can tell us about the plans in your country/organisation. Use social media to share your stories and messages of support using the hashtag. #AIDScandlelightmemorial2026, #PLHIVLeadersNow and tagging us @gnpplus for maximum visibility.
WRITE A LETTER
Write a Letter to yourself or a tribute in memory of someone on the International AIDS Candlelight Memorial website.
Option 1: A tribute to someone you have loved and lost to HIV
- 3 things you loved about that person
- 3 things you want that person to know about how you continue to live or work with HIV
- A simple message for the world about what people can do to support you and people living with HIV
Option 2: A love letter to yourself
- 3 things you have done to hurt yourself, and how can you make it right
- 3 things you love about yourself
- One piece of advice you have for yourself moving forward
Click on this link here to write your letter.
SHARE THE EVENT POSTER
Share this year’s International AIDS Candlelight Memorial poster on your social media with the hashtag #AIDSCandlelightMemorial
SHARE YOUR EVENT WITH US
As a call in the days and weeks before the memorial, share your event with us by completing this form, and we will share it with the world.
USE A ZOOM BACKGROUND
When sharing your Memorial Day actions on social media, please include our official hashtags
- #CandlelightMemorial
- #PLHIVLeadersNow
Tag our social media handles:
Join us as we spread love and solidarity to build stronger communities at this year’s International AIDS Candlelight Memorial.