National HIV / AIDS Memorial in London

“This Assembly welcomes the revived campaign, led by GMFA (Gay Men Fighting AIDS), in conjunction with the UK HIV sector, for a national memorial to the many thousands of people who have died from HIV and AIDS in the UK.

It is appropriate that this memorial is sited in London, which was at the heart of the epidemic in this country, affecting many of our citizens, their loved ones and their friends. It was also from here that many of the national HIV/AIDS services were established, and it is here that the most cutting edge screening and prevention services are now sited, with increasing success.

            The memorial would:

• pay tribute to the men, women and children who died in the UK;
• remember the struggles of those living with HIV as well as those who took on the challenge to treat, support and campaign for those who were affected by AIDS;
• ensure that this period in British history is not forgotten and form a link between the past, the present and the future for all the communities in the UK who bore the brunt of the epidemic;
• remember those who perished and who continue to live with HIV across the world, many of whom still cannot access treatment.

  We urge the Mayor to state his backing for this campaign. Along with the Assembly’s support, this will add to the growing momentum for this memorial and give confidence to potential sponsors and fundraising efforts. We also ask the Mayor to write to the appropriate Government ministers urging them on London’s behalf to look at how this national memorial might be funded.”