National AIDS Memorial in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park honors lives lost, calls for continued action – ABC7 Bay Area

Sustainable Development Goals and the National AIDS Memorial

The National AIDS Memorial, the only federally designated memorial to HIV and AIDS in the United States, continues to serve as a community sanctuary, particularly for the LGBTQ+ community. Established 34 years ago during the height of the AIDS crisis, it holds significant importance in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Circle of Friends: A Symbol of Lives Lost

In the “Circle of Friends” at the memorial, nearly 5,000 names are engraved, representing the many lives lost to the AIDS epidemic. These names are not just letters, but symbols of the devastating impact of the disease. Specific memorials within the site, such as a boulder dedicated to Shaw Coté and another honoring Sylvester, remind visitors of the individuals who fought against AIDS and left a lasting impact on their communities.

A Place of Remembrance and Celebration

The National AIDS Memorial remains a gathering place for people to celebrate the lives of their loved ones and ensure their memory lives on. It serves as a reminder of the progress made in combating the AIDS crisis, with fewer than 200 new infections recorded this year. However, the work is far from over, and the memorial emphasizes the need to continue the fight for those in need.

Preventing History from Repeating Itself

The National AIDS Memorial is committed to honoring lives lost and telling their stories. Its mission aligns with the SDGs, particularly Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being. By raising awareness, supporting research, and advocating for those affected by HIV and AIDS, the memorial aims to prevent history from repeating itself.

Source: National AIDS Memorial

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators in the Article

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

   • Target 3.3: By 2030, end the epidemics of AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, and neglected tropical diseases and combat hepatitis, water-borne diseases, and other communicable diseases.
   • Indicator 3.3.1: Number of new HIV infections per 1,000 uninfected population, by sex, age, and key populations.

2. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

   • Target 10.3: Ensure equal opportunity and reduce inequalities of outcome, including by eliminating discriminatory laws, policies, and practices and promoting appropriate legislation, policies, and action in this regard.
   • Indicator 10.3.1: Proportion of the population reporting having personally felt discriminated against or harassed in the previous 12 months on the basis of a ground of discrimination prohibited under international human rights law.

Analysis

The article addresses the issues related to HIV and AIDS, particularly highlighting the impact of the AIDS epidemic and the efforts made by the LGBTQ+ community to address the tragedy. Based on the content, the following SDGs, targets, and indicators can be identified:

SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

The article discusses the progress made in reducing new HIV infections, which aligns with SDG 3’s target of ending the epidemics of AIDS. The indicator 3.3.1, which measures the number of new HIV infections, can be used to measure progress towards this target.

SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

The article emphasizes the role of the LGBTQ+ community in seeking and finding solutions during the AIDS crisis when the government wasn’t providing support. This highlights the need to reduce inequalities and eliminate discriminatory laws and practices. The indicator 10.3.1, which measures the proportion of the population reporting discrimination, can be used to measure progress towards this target.

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: abc7news.com