Playa del Inglés, December 1, 2024 – The Yumbo Center in Gran Canaria came alive on World AIDS Day as the Gay and Lesbian Associados Del Yumbo (GLAY) organized a heartfelt event to raise awareness and fight stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS. The event was attended by the Mayor of San Bartolomé de Tirajana, Marco Aurelio Pérez Sánchez, alongside numerous councilors and key representatives from local organizations dedicated to HIV prevention and support.

The evening featured a series of inspiring speeches emphasizing progress, solidarity, and the need for ongoing action:

Mayor Marco Aurelio Pérez Sánchez expressed gratitude to the associations tirelessly working to combat HIV/AIDS. He praised their daily commitment to addressing the challenges faced by those living with the condition and called for continued collective efforts to find solutions for these societal issues.

Orlando Viera, Representative of ACES (Amigos Contra el Sida), highlighted the dual fight against the disease and the persistent stigma that affects those living with HIV. While acknowledging medical advancements, he stressed the importance of awareness and education around sexual health and prevention, urging the public to support initiatives like the symbolic red ribbon and candle lighting in the Yumbo Center.

José Antonio Goday Rodríguez, representing Aula Darío Jaén, spoke about the global leadership required to achieve the UNAIDS goal of eradicating HIV/AIDS by 2030. He emphasized the importance of human rights and universal healthcare access, calling for greater local engagement and the integration of public and private healthcare systems in supporting the community.

André van Wanrooj, President of GLAY, delivered a moving message of remembrance and hope. He recognized the contributions of those living with HIV while underscoring the urgent need to fight stigma. He called on attendees to support organizations like Amigos Contra el Sida and Checkpoint Canarias, which work tirelessly to promote sexual health and support those affected by HIV.

Jim Phillips, President of Checkpoint Canarias, reflected on the importance of tackling inequalities and ensuring access to life-saving tools like PrEP and PEP. He encouraged a united front among governments, NGOs, and individuals to meet the global “95-95-95” targets by 2030 and to foster an environment free from discrimination.

The evening also featured vibrant performances by local artists, emphasizing the themes of inclusion, resilience, and hope.

With the participation of many councilors, community leaders, and key representatives from the local organizations ACES, Aula Dario Jaen, Checkpoint Canarias, Observatorio INAP LGBTIQ+ and GLAY, dedicated to HIV prevention, support, and LGBTQ+ representation, this event underscored the critical need for collective action, public awareness, and sustained support in the global fight against HIV/AIDS. Together, GLAY and its partners sent a strong message of remembrance, prevention, and solidarity.