By Genevieve Parker | Research and Advocacy Associate
On this past World AIDS Day, our 280 youth reporters across South Africa organized events and activities engaging their communities in meaningful conversations around HIV. Bringing together young people, their parents, caregivers, teachers, and grandparents, they tackled issues of HIV testing and treatment, disclosing HIV status, and reducing HIV-related stigma.
At one such gathering, Children's Radio Foundation (CRF) young reporter Nolusindiso spoke at a live, on stage radio show for an audience of over 1,000 people at O.R. Tambo Hall in Khayelitsha, where an estimated 28% of the community is living with HIV. Nolusindiso can relate on a personal level. She understands the moment of discovering an HIV positive result. She has experienced the harm and betrayal of a partner not disclosing an HIV status. She is acutely aware of the stigmas that isolate young people living with HIV and prevent them from accessing the health services and support they need to live full, healthy lives. With a microphone in her hand, Nolusindiso spoke to the large crowd gathered in the hall and shared her story - not only of facing challenges, but also finding strength and support within a community of youth reporters.
Nolusindiso walks over five miles to Khayelitsha's Nolungile Youth Clinic for her antiretroviral medication. There, she values the attentive nurses and welcoming atmosphere, made possible by youth reporters hosting regular live radio shows inside the clinic throughout the year. At Nolungile, CRF and Medecins Sans Frontieres have partnered to create a friendly, entertaining, and educational space to support young people, like Nolusindiso, who come to the clinic in need of HIV services and treatment. Fortified by her network of friendships and allies, Nolusindiso is determined to use her voice and experience to empower her peers to seek out support and make informed decisions about their health.
Your generous support ensures that we continue to create youth friendly programming which encourages positive action to both prevent and treat adolescents affected by HIV. Stay tuned for more events on the horizon!
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