On the eve of World AIDS Day, Madrid became the epicenter of memory and activism. The LGTBIQ+ Collective of Madrid, COGAM, convened its now traditional In Memoriam event at the emblematic Puerta de Alcalá. On December 1, 2025, activists, social organizations and citizens gathered for a double purpose: to honor those who have passed away and to raise their voices against the barriers that still persist in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
The event was an emotional reminder that, despite medical advances, stigma, institutional neglect, and inequity remain critical obstacles. It is a commitment to history, but also a cry for action.
The Manifesto that Shakes Consciences
Those in charge of giving voice to this year’s manifesto were actress Cayetana Guillén Cuervo and psychologist Iván Garrido. Its reading was not only a symbolic act, but a powerful call to memory, solidarity action and political and social commitment. After the manifesto, a minute of silence marked respect for those we lost and unwavering support for those who today fight stigma and difficulties in accessing health.
What challenges were put on the table?
The text read presented figures that invite reflection and immediate action:
- Access to treatment: Globally, one in five people with HIV lacks access to effective treatment, despite the fact that these medications have been known for almost three decades.
- Financial threat: Cuts in international health cooperation were denounced, especially by the United States, warning that this reduction in funds could translate into up to one million additional deaths per year in the next four years.
- Barriers and rights: The manifesto warned about the rise of ideologies that try to curtail rights, both in our country and Europe and on a global scale. He placed special emphasis on the risk posed by administrative obstacles for the migrant population, which hinder their access to public health.
As was forcefully emphasized, only a public, free and universal health system will be able to effectively stop the spread of HIV.
PrEP, the Community Network and the Urgency of Institutional Support
One of the most egregious complaints focused on pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). The document described as “intolerable” the wait of up to a year that patients in regions like Madrid suffer to access this preventive treatment, a fundamental resource in the sexual health strategy.
Furthermore, the irreplaceable role of the community network was claimed. Ronny de la Cruz, president of COGAM, expressed it clearly: “Community organizations are an essential pillar in the response to HIV, but we need real institutional support. Without sufficient funding, there can be no prevention or support.”
Key points claimed by the manifesto:
- Fight serophobia through campaigns and specialized training.
- Ensure comprehensive, diverse and rights-based sexual education.
Ensure more resources for community entities, vital in prevention, support and mental health.
In Memoriam not only looks at the past, but forces us to ask ourselves about the present and the future. Are we really up to the task of fighting HIV in 2025? How can we guarantee that access to health and prevention is a real right and not a chimera for everyone, regardless of their origin or condition?
COGAM reaffirms its commitment to continue defending universal access to health, accompanying people with HIV and demanding public policies that root out the stigma and inequalities that still mark the life of the community.
