AIDS2024 Social Media Advocacy Program!

Since 2021, I have been actively involved in HIV and sexual health advocacy and education. This includes organizing the first HIV forum at my university, three years of volunteering with AHF Peru, and my current role as coordinator for the J+LAC Andean region. In addition, I am a peer counselor at the Lambayeque Regional Hospital, where I provide support in treatment adherence and prevention of opportunistic infections to people with HIV. My Bachelor's thesis in Sociology explores HIV and Social Representations as multi-causal phenomena linked to impoverishment and lack of access to opportunities and services.

Onuh Faith is a young HIV prevention advocate and also a Global alliance Champion who is among the leading experts advocating in ending Pediatric AIDS in the global space.

She is the founder of Young Persons Network for sustainable lifestyle and health (YOUPEN4SLAH) a nascent NGO , led my young women ensuring the push for equity. She has been in the development space for about 10years , started very early at age 14 with the Nigeria youth network on HIV and AIDS (NYNETHA) and over the years have served in many technical bodies in the country and currently a member of the community delegation to UNITAID Board.

She hopes to see young women in their diversity have an ownership of their health and wellbeing.

Violet Zulu is an HIV advocate, social media influencer, and public health student. She has completed Afya Nahaki Institute's Reproductive Justice short course (Cohort 5). Violet publicly disclosed her HIV status to raise awareness and reduce stigma. She mentors adolescents living with HIV and advocates for reproductive justice, stigma reduction, and equal access to healthcare through her social media platforms. Violet's courage and expertise have established her as a respected voice in the fight against HIV and for reproductive justice.

Catherine is a passionate young sex worker and leader in sex work advocacy, with extensive experience in community-led research, feminist principles, and campaign planning within Strategic Communication and Advocacy. Dedicated to human rights and social justice, on issues such as Gender-Based Violence (GBV), sexual reproductive health rights, HIV prevention, care and treatment, and youth leadership in decision-making. As a young feminist and human rights defender, I am committed to addressing the intersectionality of challenges faced by diverse young people, striving to create inclusive spaces where every voice is heard and valued. I embody values of curiosity, inclusiveness, accountability, and courage, continually evaluating myself to  meet the evolving needs of the community and dedicated to fostering youth leadership and is proud to be part of an organization that tackles complex issues facing young people. Through our work, and aim to build a more just and equitable world, inspiring others with the unwavering commitment to human rights and social justice

Maryann Wambugu, 24, is a Certified Public Accounts (CPA) student and a dedicated youth advocate focused on health issues related to HIV, Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR), and Mental Health. As the AYP Representative at the Kenya Coordinating Mechanism for the Global Fund, she oversees grants and represents young people's perspectives in HIV, TB,Malaria, and SRHR programs, promoting ethical youth engagement in program design, implementation, and evaluation.

Maryann is the Assistant Team Lead of ALFAJIRI, a Community-Based Organization where she actively promotes mental health and sexual and reproductive well-being of young people, spearheading conversations on adequate health financing. She also serves as Board Treasurer at Y+Kenya, a national network of young people living with and affected by HIV, where she provides financial expertise and strategic direction.

Her work focuses on the prevention and elimination of new HIV infections among adolescents and young people, ensuring access to treatment and support. Maryann champions body autonomy, empowering young people to make informed decisions about their sexual health, and advocates for youth-led, youth-centric programs and interventions. Through her various roles, Maryann is committed to improving the health and well-being of young people in Kenya.

Jessie Mzemba is a Youth Advocate who is passionate about promoting women’s and girl’s rights, SRH and Justice. She is a community health worker under Mother2mother organization which works on access and utilization of SRH services. She has been advocating for Sexual and Reproductive Heath Rights and Gender Based Violence

Kimberly, is an Advocate, Activist, and Feminist hailing from the vibrant shores of Trinidad and Tobago in the Caribbean, stands at the forefront of the battle to amplify the voices of Young Women, Adolescent Girls, and Young Mothers in her home country and the wider Caribbean region. Her unwavering dedication is evident in her commitment to addressing critical issues such as individuals living with and affected by HIV and AIDS, Gender-Based Violence, and Sexual Reproductive Health Rights Violations and climate change. 

Beyond making a significant impact locally as a member and youth representative of the Trinidad and Tobago Community For Positive Women and Girls Living with and Affected by HIV, Director of Gender & Health Affairs - The Willow Foundation and contributes as a member of the UNFPA Youth Advisory Group of Trinidad and Tobago, where she passionately 

Sekgabo Seselamarumo is a dedicated HIV activist and youth advocate from Botswana, with extensive experience in community engagement, public health, and education. Professionally, she has contributed significantly to organizations like Sentebale and the Botswana Ministry of Education & Skills Development, where she co-led initiatives to destigmatize HIV, promoted sexual and reproductive health and rights and promoted access to education through radio.

Sekgabo's commitment to youth empowerment is demonstrated through her roles as a Let Youth Lead Advocate, Content Developer, and Peer Leader. Her participation in international programs, such as the Clinical Trials Design Academy by AVAC and the Advocacy-For-A-Cure Academy through AVAC & IAS highlights her dedication to advancing HIV prevention, treatment and advocacy. Sekgabo's passion for improving the lives of young people living with HIV drives her continued efforts in this field.

Sekgabo is also a dynamic social media advocate, using various platforms especially TikTok to amplify her message and engage with a broader audience. Through her active and strategic use of social media, Sekgabo effectively raises awareness about HIV/AIDS, promotes community-led responses, and engages with young people to foster a supportive and informed online community. Her social media advocacy not only enhances her outreach but also empowers others to join the fight against HIV/AIDS.

Joy Oboyi is a youth advocate and a sexual reproductive health and rights specialist for AYP inclusive of AGYW in their diversities. She is passionate about the Sexual Reproductive Health and rights (SRHR) of adolescents and young people especially AGYW. Joy is one of the young champions advocating for inclusion of Girls and Young Women (AGYW) in Nigeria on the Global Financial Fund. 

She is using platforms provided to advocate for the sexual reproductive health and rights of AYP + HIV Service for AGYW in Nigeria and globally. Her advocacy is centered around increased provision and access to youth-friendly services for AGYW; increased in the release of domestic resources as well as international/external funding of SRHR and HIV Services for AGYW as well as the effective implementation of the Anti-stigma law in Nigeria amongst others. Joy is currently a 400 level student of the National Open University Nigeria, Faculty of Social Sciences studying Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution.

She served as the Pediatrics lead in Nigeria, under the Young emerging leaders first cohort programme with the global network of young people living with HIV (Y+ Global). She also holds the position of the National Human Resource Officer of the association of positive youths living with HIV in Nigeria (APYIN). In her free time , Joy likes to dance, listen to music and watch educational movies.