Nairobi, Kenya – 27 - 28 February 2025 – The 2nd African Women and HIV Workshop convened leading advocates, researchers, and young changemakers to address the urgent challenges facing women and girls in sub-Saharan Africa’s HIV response. This year’s workshop underscored the critical role of male allyship in advancing gender-equitable HIV interventions, explored groundbreaking research and innovative interventions, and reinforced the power of youth-led solutions in improving health outcomes.
According to UNAIDS, women and girls account for 62% of new HIV infections in sub-Saharan Africa, compared to 44% globally. Every week, 4,000 adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) contract HIV, with a staggering 3,100 of these cases occurring in sub-Saharan Africa. These figures reflect deep-rooted gender inequalities that continue to limit access to education, economic independence, and sexual health rights.
During the workshop, Ivy Jebet, Programmes Officer at Y+ Global, delivered an oral presentation on the You(th) Wise project, which successfully promoted self-care uptake among young people living with HIV. She highlighted how youth-led interventions drive positive health outcomes by fostering adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) and creating safe spaces for young people to navigate their treatment journeys.
“This workshop was a powerful reminder of the progress we have made in ending AIDS, but also a wake-up call to the risks of stagnation, especially amid ongoing funding constraints. One of the most eye-opening discussions for me was the inclusion of ageing and menopause among women living with HIV—topics that remain largely overlooked.”Ivy Jebet
Programmes Officer, Y+ Global
[From left to right: Ivy Jebet giving an oral presentation on the YouthWise Project. Ivy Jebet sitting on a panel discussion.]
At a symposium hosted by ViiV Healthcare on Empowering Women through Advocacy: The Role of Men, Priscilla Ama Addo, Junior Programmes Officer for the READY Program at Y+ Global, shared insights on the crucial role of male allyship in improving health outcomes for women living with HIV. She emphasised the need to dismantle harmful masculine norms that discourage men from seeking healthcare and from supporting their partners in sexual health decisions.
Priscilla also presented on Transitioning to HIV Adult Care, highlighting the gaps in structured transition processes for adolescents and young people. She stressed that a well-supported transition is essential for ensuring adherence and promoting self-management in adulthood.
“In 2025, many women still need their husband’s permission to access reproductive health services like HIV treatment—when it should be a joint partnership. Harmful masculine norms continue to prevent men from seeking HIV testing, prevention, and treatment. This is why gender-transformative initiatives, such as promoting shared responsibility for sexual health, are essential in the fight against new HIV infections.”Priscilla Ama Addo
Junior Programmes Officer: READY Program at Y+ Global
Priscilla also presented an abstract on the Dwabo Project, an initiative supported by the French Embassy in Ghana and implemented by Hope for Future Generations. The project enhanced access to HIV and SRHR services for adolescent girls and young women in Northern Ghana, empowering over 1,200 young girls with knowledge on HIV prevention, condom use, and reproductive health rights. The project’s success was primarily driven by community-led advocacy and engagement.
[From left to right: Priscilla at the ViiV Symposium on the Empowering Role of Men in HIV Care; Priscilla presenting her abstract to a conference attendee]
Beyond the abstract presentations, Y+ Global actively engaged in the workshop’s marketplace, showcasing the Mid-Term Report of the You(th) Care Project. This report highlights the impact of strategic youth engagement and community-driven approaches in improving self-care adoption and health outcomes. Through these interactions, Y+ Global reaffirmed its commitment to amplifying youth voices, advocating for sustainable HIV interventions, and ensuring that young people remain at the centre of decision-making processes that affect their health and well-being.
The 2nd African Women and HIV Workshop demonstrated that collective action and cross-sectoral partnerships are essential in tackling gender disparities in the HIV response. Y+ Global remains steadfast in its advocacy for gender-transformative approaches, increased investment in youth-led initiatives and meaningful male engagement in HIV prevention and care.