Last Sunday evening across New Zealand, candlelight memorial services  were held in memory of the people who have died from Aids.

This year’s candlelight service marked the 25th anniversary of what has become one of the largest world events focused on HIV and AIDS awareness.

The theme for the event this year, as announced by Oceania International Candlelight Co-ordinator Eamonn Smythe was "Never Give Up, Never Forget".

The services will also pay tribute to those who have been strong campaigners of HIV prevention.

Smythe stated that 33 million people worldwide are living with HIV and Aids. He also said HIV-AIDS continues to be a growing concern for many New Zealanders.

For 25 years, the Candlelight Memorial has brought people together in every region of the world to honour those lost to Aids and demonstrate the importance of society in the fight against HIV/Aids.

Organisers of the event say it is important to learn from the past and to foster support and move people to action in the fight against the disease through promoting prevention, treatment and care.

Tags: aids, memorial