MONTRÉAL, Dec. 1, 2024 – The Montreal Table of Community Organizations Fighting HIV/AIDS (TOMS) invites everyone to participate in the 36^th annual World AIDS Day Vigil, taking place on December 1^st, 2024, at Parc de l’Espoir. This year’s commemoration will feature two events, at 2pm and 5pm.

This 36^th vigil will focus on community care and mutual support to strengthen our social safety net, combat isolation, and improve the lives of people living with HIV.

The theme of community care reflects past challenges where we were often left to cope alone; this year’s focus highlights the strength of our movement and our collective power.

However, we must acknowledge the health disparities experienced by people living with HIV and affected communities. Even in Montreal, access to healthcare varies significantly by borough: unequal access to community and clinical/lab testing, limited harm reduction resources, and the high cost of antiretroviral treatment (including PrEP) negatively impact the quality of life in our communities.

This World AIDS Day Vigil is a call to action to bolster our social safety net: our communities need healthcare professionals and first responders (firefighters, police officers, paramedics, first aid providers) trained and informed about their realities to deliver better care. We urge all levels of government to invest in strengthening this sector, which, after 40 years, understands frontline needs. Our organizations require increased core-mission funding to better support the communities we serve.

Let’s unite this December 1^st to transform how HIV is addressed in both the public and private sectors and build a world grounded in community care, mutual respect, and positive living for everyone!

About the TOMS:

The Montreal Table of Community Organizations Fighting HIV/AIDS (TOMS) supports, advocates for, and promotes the work of its members and the communities they represent. TOMS comprises 31 community organizations involved in HIV and STI prevention, facilitating health and well-being for people living with HIV and other STIs by providing housing and other services, and supporting their loved ones.

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SOURCE Table des organismes communautaires montréalais de lutte contre le VIH/sida (TOMS)