Together with young people living with HIV networks Y+ Global, Y+ Kenya, Y+ Malawi, and youth- and women-led organisations AYARHEP and COWLHA, Aidsfonds has initiated YouthWise.
This new four-year programme aims to amplify the voices of adolescents and young people living with HIV in Kenya and Malawi to enable them to practice self-care and fulfil their sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) needs, in a supportive and respectful environment.
#YouthWise! Elina is in charge of her health from Aidsfonds on Vimeo.
It is the time we take charge of everything. I mean, everything
Elina Wasinga is a radiant young woman from Malawi working for the Coalition of Women living with HIV and AIDS. She explains why young people need to be in charge when it comes to their health. Watch her strong message in this lively vlog.
In 2022, YouthWise will train 290 young people living with HIV as advocates and peers. 8,900 adolescents and young people will be supported through peers and (online) support groups for young people living with HIV and become more treatment- and health literate. This makes them better understand the importance of treatment adherence and able to pro-actively seek information and support where needed.
We will work with 200 parents, community and religious leaders, journalists and other community duty bearers to change the discourse on HIV and adolescent’ SRHR and support adolescents and young people living with HIV. We will work with 85 health service providers in facilities and communities to make services more youth-friendly and accessible and to strengthen referral systems.
At national level, we will advocate to change laws and policies, e.g. pushing for Community ART Groups to be adopted as a policy in Malawi. The young people living with HIV-led national networks will be strengthened in their organisational and technical capacity, amongst others their advocacy capacity.
I need to be in charge of my health because it is my responsibility
– Zipporah, AYARHEP
AIDS is still the leading cause of death among adolescents and young people living with HIV in Africa. There is a high need to improve treatment outcomes and quality of life for this group, to enable them to live healthy and productive lives.
There is a high need to improve treatment outcomes and quality of life for adolescents and young people living with HIV. YouthWise aims to amplify the voices of young people living with HIV in Kenya and Malawi to enable them to practice self-care and fulfil their sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) needs.
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Today, the European Commission announced its intention to pledge a total of €700 million overall for the 8th Global Fund’s replenishment, subject to the outcome of the upcoming Multiannual Financial Framework negotiations. At a time when budgets are under strain, priorities are competing, and the world feels increasingly unstable, stepping up for people affected by HIV, TB and malaria around the world is very welcome and a clear sign of the EU’s ambition to lead on global health. This commitment will help save millions of lives and keep everyone safer, including in Europe. It will support Africa’s ability to lead on its own health priorities, and build resilience in places under severe stress. This includes countries affected by war, such as Ukraine, where the continuity of HIV and TB services is critical not only for emergency response, but also for long-term recovery. With many donors cutting back on aid, the Commission’s renewed support for the Global Fund sends a much-needed signal of leadership and solidarity.
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Sidaction and Aidsfonds are pleased to jointly launch a call for scientific proposals for the year 2026, aimed at accelerating advances in HIV cure research. The aim of this call for proposals is to fund research projects exploring mechanisms or strategies that will contribute to achieving a cure or remission for HIV. Projects may investigate mechanisms to target the viral reservoir or enhance immune-driven control, the development of new therapeutic concepts, as well as research in the social sciences related to HIV cure or remission. Through this call, we aim to support research that will ultimately lead to major biomedical breakthroughs, foster social acceptance of cure interventions, and promote an HIV cure accessible to the largest possible number of people living with HIV worldwide.
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