On May 21, the commemorative day for individuals lost to AIDS, Real World, Real People NGO, in collaboration with the United Nations Program on HIV/AIDS, initiated a poignant theater performance and candle lighting ceremony to honor those who have passed away. This event was made possible through the joint efforts of Open Platform and the United Nations Program on HIV/AIDS. The creation of the play "Live Without Fear" was inspired by extensive research carried out by RWRP NGO, involving individuals living with HIV, and enriched by insightful interviews conducted by director Gagik Ghazare. The play is a one-act play about people living with HIV.
Every year, on the third Sunday of May, International AIDS Day is commemorated to raise awareness about AIDS initiatives, pay tribute to individuals lost to the disease, and mobilize immediate measures to preserve lives. The initial mention of International AIDS Day can be traced back to 1983 when it was first brought up by individuals living with HIV in New York and San Francisco. Since the onset of the epidemic, over 84.2 million individuals worldwide have been infected with HIV, and tragically, more than 40.1 million people have lost their lives due to AIDS-related illnesses. According to the official data of the National Center for Infectious Diseases, 535 cases of HIV infection were registered in Armenia in 2022. Out of the diagnosed cases, 230 individuals were in the AIDS stage, and sadly, 74 among them passed away. The event was attended by representatives from various government departments, international organizations, and civil society.