HIV advocacy is a cause that is deeply personal to me, as I have seen firsthand the impact it has had on my friends and loved ones. This personal connection motivates me to work towards combating the epidemic and advocating for positive change. My name is Frida Musilimu, and I am a passionate advocate for Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH). I am also an active member of the UNITED! Movement and the Youth Advisory Panel at UNFPA Tanzania.
Recently, I had the privilege of representing Adolescents and Young Women (AGYW) at the Southern Africa Development Community—National AIDS Councils (SADC-NAC) Directors' meeting in Johannesburg, South Africa. The theme of the annual meeting was "Focusing on the Most Marginalized and Keeping HIV on the Political Agenda." It brought together experts from across the region to discuss ways to accelerate the HIV response in Southern Africa.
The meeting was not just an ordinary event; it was a gathering filled with insightful discussions and impactful presentations. Civil society pre-meetings, supported by organisations like ARASA, provided a space for activists, leaders, and advocates to come together, review progress, and brainstorm challenges. We delved into key topics such as the SADC HIV Prevention targets, structural barriers, and strategies for improving access to HIV services for the most marginalised populations.
I was really impressed by the extensive efforts focused on HIV prevention, treatment, and care. The adoption of PrEP, along with innovative strategies like the U=U (Undetectable = Untransmittable) campaign, showed significant progress. Additionally, integrating HIV services within the Universal Healthcare Coverage framework demonstrates the region's commitment to providing accessible and inclusive care. The presentations from different countries highlighted remarkable advancements, especially in prioritising multisectoral cooperation in ending AIDS as a public health threat.
However, the meeting wasn't just about what was working and how there have been positive efforts. We still have a long way to go. As we have seen and experienced in our work with our friends and families, issues like stigma and discrimination continue to hinder the HIV response. Shockingly, 13% of people living with HIV face stigma when seeking care, and 27% of new infections in the region occur among adolescent girls and young women. These figures underscore the urgent need for more inclusive policies and targeted interventions.
As a representative for AGYW, I presented several recommendations in response to advance key priorities affecting AGYW. Among them were eliminating vertical transmission for young mothers, empowering girls through education and livelihood programs, addressing gender-based violence (GBV), and scaling up evidence-based comprehensive sexuality education (CSE).
As a member of the UNITED! Movement, I am advocating for us to take an intersectional approach when addressing HIV and SRHR with other key issues like UHC. I want us to unite, be creative, and think outside the box. I believe that UNITED! provides a platform for young people to do precisely just that: to come together and address the issues that affect us the most at its core. Meeting other passionate young advocates reminded me of the power of working together. I am very thankful for the opportunity and the support of the UNITED! Movement, Y+ Global, and UNICEF ESARO, which have allowed me to voice the needs of adolescent girls and young women in this important space.