What does PEPFAR’s funding boost mean for Africa’s young leaders?
PEPFAR recently announced new funding to boost youth leadership in the HIV response in countries across Africa. PEPFAR’s 20 million USD investment marks a significant milestone, acknowledging the resilience and dedication of young people in driving change.
“This is great news for young people. We’re excited for what this means for direct investment in youth-led and centred programmes across Africa, and globally,” said Itumeleng Komanyane, Lead: Programmes Adolescents and Youth, Frontline AIDS.
“This initiative represents a crucial platform for youth voices to be heard and valued, empowering young people to drive meaningful change within our communities.” added Komanyane. “As participants in the PEPFAR Youth Initiative launch, I am inspired by the opportunity to actively engage and support young people in shaping the future of HIV prevention and advocacy efforts”.
HIV is still among the leading causes of death in Africa and young people, particularly adolescent girls and young women, continue to be disproportionately impacted by new HIV infections.
Building platforms for youth engagement and influence
Guided by the leadership of Y+ Global, together with Frontline AIDS and the READY+ programme, we have worked tirelessly to create platforms for meaningful youth engagement and influence. At COP23, a collective call for youth involvement culminated in a townhall session with Ambassador Nkengasong, the global AIDS coordinator within the US government. In that meeting young people outlined the synergies between DREAMS and READY+, emphasising the value of complementary programming.
“We’ve focused on supporting and empowering young people to advocate for increased inclusion in PEPFAR processes,” said Cyprian Komba, READY focal person, Tanzania. “We have highlighted Frontline AIDS’ READY+ programme and its transformational impact. READY+ works in some of the same communities as DREAMS, a PEPFAR-funded programme to improve access to HIV and sexual and reproductive health services for adolescent girls and young women, and we want to align our efforts.”
We hope to see continued support and investment in youth-led initiatives, increased access to comprehensive sexual health education, and strengthened partnerships between governments, NGOs, and local communities to ensure a more inclusive and effective approach to ending AIDS for everyone, everywhere.Cyprian Komba, READY focal point, Tanzania
Centring youth voices
At the READY Summit, PEPFAR’s youth team along with over 100 youth advocates, and partners from the Global Fund and UN organisations, joined READY+ and Frontline AIDS to launch READY to Evolve, the READY movement-building strategy.
This strategy fosters meaningful partnerships to accelerate efforts on HIV and sexual and reproductive health and rights in Sub-Saharan Africa, with young people at the centre.
PEPFAR recognises the READY Movement’s influence in the region and its commitment to nurturing youth leadership. Frontline AIDS and READY will work closely with the PEPFAR youth team in shaping and implementing the initiative.
“It’s truly gratifying to witness the impact of our collective efforts, and we are filled with optimism as we embark on this next phase of transformative action,” said Komanyane. Komba added, “We hope to see continued support and investment in youth-led initiatives, increased access to comprehensive sexual health education, and strengthened partnerships between governments, NGOs, and local communities to ensure a more inclusive and effective approach to ending AIDS for everyone, everywhere.”