World AIDS Day was recognised in Monaco yesterday, 1st December, with a moving tribute by Fight AIDS Monaco at the Musée Océanographique in the Principality.
Living on the Côte d’Azur, you quickly discover that many of the familiar urban myths just don’t hold up. One of the biggest misconceptions is that behind all the glamour and prestige, there’s little room for empathy, compassion, or community.
The reality couldn’t be more different.
Take World AIDS Day, for example. Across the region, people are marking the day with sincerity and solidarity – honouring the memory of those we’ve lost, and supporting those who continue to fight.
Photos courtesy and © Monaco-Matin
Since the inception of the charity, many of us have been fortunate where we can to support the meaningful work of Fight AIDS Monaco. The organisation plays a vital role in supporting those with HIV and AIDS while also honouring the memory of those lost, including through the creation of memorial quilts—carefully sewn by volunteers and dedicated supporters. Their efforts continue to embody compassion, remembrance, and community.
One of the largest gatherings of community members came together yesterday in support of H.S.H. Princess Stéphanie’s charity, Fight AIDS Monaco, which celebrates its 21st anniversary this year. The occasion included the unveiling of memorial quilts created by members of the charity to honour those who have lost their lives to AIDS, in observance of World AIDS Day.
Held at the Oceanographic Museum, the event welcomed Princess Stéphanie, her daughter Camille Gottlieb, and Monegasque dignitaries, as Fight AIDS Monaco presented its memorial quilts for the 14th consecutive year.
Photos courtesy and © Monaco-Matin
Both poignant and heartfelt, the quilts serve as a powerful reminder of the devastating impact of AIDS. On Friday, the association presented 8 of its 14 meticulously crafted pieces, each requiring an average of 170 hours to complete.
The quilts, viewed as powerful symbols of hope, draw inspiration from the AIDS Memorial Quilt movement that began in San Francisco in 1985. This global initiative honours those who have lost their lives to AIDS through handcrafted fabric panels. Christophe Glasser, Director of Fight AIDS Monaco, highlighted this important connection in his address.
Fight AIDS Monaco is a non-profit NGO founded by H.S.H. Princess Stéphanie in July 2004. Confronted with the psychological, financial, and emotional challenges faced by people living with HIV. along with the discrimination many experience daily, Princess Stéphanie committed herself to supporting them in their fight for dignity, health, and inclusion.
“I join all those who are fighting HIV in their own lives. I encourage everyone to be screened, to protect themselves, and to thank anyone who devotes their time and money to the mobilisation against AIDS.”
— H.S.H. Princess Stéphanie
Each year, this event is both a remembrance and a celebration of compassion. It honours those who have passed due to HIV/AIDS, while also reflecting the strength of a community united in support, awareness, and hope. This year’s World AIDS Day was no different.
Fight AIDS Monaco continues its mission through the dedication of its board members, a small but committed team of employees, and many volunteers, working alongside Princess Stéphanie to raise awareness, promote prevention, and fund vital services throughout Monaco. The organisation is supported by a government grant as well as private donations.
To support their work, please contact Fight AIDS Monaco or click below to donate to its fundraising efforts.
All photos (including lead image) courtesy and © Monaco-Matin unless otherwise credited
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