4 days ago
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Belize joined the global community in commemorating World AIDS Day 2025 this morning with an opening ceremony and health fair held at the Belize Civic Center. The event placed renewed focus on awareness, prevention, and breaking stigma surrounding HIV and AIDS.
Organized by the National AIDS Commission, the event brought together health partners, advocacy groups, students, and members of the public under the theme “Overcoming Disruption, Transforming the AIDS Response” Present at today’s opening ceremony was Mayor Bernard Wagner whose address exemplified this year’s theme.
Among the speeches of today’s ceremony were testimonials from two Belizeans currently living with AIDS, who spoke openly about their journeys sharing the challenges of diagnosis, the importance of treatment, and the emotional realities of living with the disease in Belize. Their stories drew quite the attention from the crowd, underscoring the ceremony’s theme of resilience, compassion, and continued public education. Kimberly Simpson described what life has been like since her diagnosis over 16 years ago.
The opening ceremony also featured informational booths, free medical screenings, and outreach services offered by key health organizations. The Belize Diabetes Association provided blood glucose and blood pressure testing, while BFLA offered sexual and reproductive health information and guidance on safe-sex practices. Today’s ceremony marks the start of a week of activities countrywide, aimed at increasing health literacy, encouraging early testing, and reminding Belizeans that the national HIV response requires unity, empathy, and action.
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