The delicate situation in the country regarding access to antiretroviral treatment still concerns all the Mozambicans.

After the big peaceful demonstration on 3rd August in Maputo and in Beira, thousands of signatures were collected throughout the country in support of the appeal, as well as many experiences of cases of stigma, abandonment of the treatment and people with AIDS being ill-treated in various hospitals and health centres.

After the demonstration of the 3rd August a standing committee called “Luta contra o estigma” was set up by the Associations of sick people, many of which joined the Eu DREAM Association to fight the battle for life and for the right to health.

On 9th September during a press conference held in Maputo, the Association presented the thousands of signatures collected over the previous month, as well as the many cases of dysfunctions of the national health service concerning AIDS patients in the country, mainly collected through the 24 hour helpline.

Then on 10th and 11th September 12 more demonstrations took place to protest against the stigma and for the right to free of charge treatment for the HIV infection.

The demonstrations were attended by around 10,000 people, they took place in all the Provinces in the country and involved not only many sick people but also many people from the local population.

In nine cases there were marches, which crossed the towns of Nampula, Pemba, Chimoio, Tete, Namacha, Quelimane, Lichinga, Inhambane and Xai-Xai, to reach the local health authority offices and deliver the appeal and the signatures.

At the same time meetings against the stigma and debates were being held in Cuamba, Marracuene and Manhica.

Over the last month a great alliance has been created among the people with AIDS of the whole of Mozambique. A solid civil awareness of their rights has grown at the same time and also the awareness that together it is possible to fight for life and to change the situation.