HIV and AIDS memorial garden unveiled in Leicester
The garden, beside Holy Trinity Church in Leicester, was funded by East Midlands Sexual Health, formerly known as Leicester Aids Support Services (LASS).
Organisers said the garden honoured those who died during the early days of the HIV epidemic in the city.
"We must never forget the brave souls who lost their lives in the early days of the epidemic, and those who stood by them," said Lee Brooker, former service user and employee of East Midlands Sexual Health.
Alistair Hudson, former chief executive of East Midlands Sexual Health, said he believed the garden was one of seven memorials to HIV and AIDS across the UK.
It is also hoped the garden will be a symbol of progress in the treatment of HIV.
"As we look back on this, HIV will be remembered as one of the greatest public health success stories in the last 100 years," he said.
"It informed the Ebola response and the Covid response. A cure will be the next major milestone."
The garden is one of six legacy projects supported by East Midlands Sexual Health, by funds raised from the sale of its building after it closed down in 2023.
Gavin Brown, chief executive of the Leicester-based Trade Sexual Health charity, said: "We organise a Red Ribbon Remembrance on World AIDS Day every year.
"In future years, we'll be gathering here on 1 December to remember the people we've lost but also to recommit ourselves to continuing to fight for the living and ensure an end to the HIV crisis."
Follow BBC Leicester on Facebook, on X, or on Instagram. Send your story ideas to eastmidsnews@bbc.co.uk or via WhatsApp on 0808 100 2210.
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As with any drug development efforts by any company, there can be no assurance at this time that any of the Company's pharmaceutical candidates would show sufficient effectiveness and safety for human clinical development. Further, there can be no assurance at this time that successful results against coronavirus in our lab will lead to successful clinical trials or a successful pharmaceutical product. This press release contains forward-looking statements that reflect the Company's current expectation regarding future events. Actual events could differ materially and substantially from those projected herein and depend on a number of factors. Certain statements in this release, and other written or oral statements made by NanoViricides, Inc. are 'forward-looking statements' within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. 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