World AIDS Day 2024:  Youth Ambassadors in a supported move to take HIV Advocacy to Next Level

On December 1, 2024, Rwanda joined the rest of the world to commemorate World AIDS Day, a time to reflect on the strides made in the fight against HIV/AIDS, while reaffirming everyone’s commitment to ending the epidemic.

This year’s national theme, “End AIDS: My Responsibility,” resonates deeply, calling on every individual, community, and institution to take ownership of the journey toward a world free of HIV.

In Rubavu district, a vibrant national ceremony marked the day with the presence of healthcare workers, community leaders, UN and other international agencies, Civil Society Organizations in the HIV response and People Living with HIV (PLHIV).

The event highlighted exhibitions, personal stories of resilience from RRP+ ambassadors, efforts toward prevention, and community-driven solutions that embody this year’s theme.

While officiating the #WorldAIDSDay2024 celebrations , the Minister of Health Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana urged everyone to respect PLHIV, protect those at high risk of new infections & exposing any practice that brings about stigma.

According to Dr. Nsanzimana, out of the 100 deaths recorded every day, 7 are attributed to HIV/AIDS. Furthermore, registering 9 new infections, daily, mostly from young people (14-25).

“While these figures have decreased, threefold over the past decade, they remain a clear indication that HIV remains a public health concern.” the Minister added.

This year’s World AIDS Day was marked with integrating HIV prevention awareness and other emerging infections like Mpox as an all-inclusive approach to public health while addressing emerging and existing health threats. within the same vulnerable.

Youth at the Forefront

Another highlight during the event was a moving testimony of resilience from RRP+ youth ambassador Jean Leonce Afazari.  He shared his journey of living positively, facing stigma while at school, living beyond that stage and the importance of adherence to antiretroviral therapy.

 “As youth ambassadors, we are powerful agents of change,” said Afazari, who is also a qualified teacher. “Through advocacy, we strive to break down myths and empowering our peers with knowledge about HIV prevention.”

Empowering Change Agents through youth Ambassadors

Prior to #WorldAIDSDay2024  30 youth ambassadors underwent a training on amplifying messages on HIV prevention, care, treatment, stigma, mental Wellness, among other aspects. It is a process of grooming brand Ambassadors who will help to bridge gaps in knowledge & services in Rwanda’s commitment to ending HIV.

These ambassadors have been given specific brands that include; HIV Testing brand Ambassador, Consistent Condom Use Ambassador, VL Suppression Ambassador, PrEP & PEP Ambassador, #EndTB Ambassador, Joyful Serodiscordant Couple Ambassador, U=U Ambassador: “U=U Awareness Advocate, #EndStigma Ambassador, Mental Health & HIV Ambassador.

According to the Chairperson of the Rwanda Network of People Living with HIV/RRP+ Sylivie Muneza the grouped brand ambassadors will help in having focused messages for each target group.

“Segmented HIV brand ambassadors play a pivotal role in addressing the diverse needs of our communities. By tailoring messages and approaches to specific groups—whether they are youth, women, key populations, or rural communities—we hope to ensure that every individual feel seen, heard, and empowered. Our ambassadors will add to efforts in bridging the gap between information and action, transforming awareness into meaningful change. We believe their voices are essential to ending HIV.”, Muneza remarked.

Rooting for the Future: Tree Planting in Sustainability and Climate Action

A day before #WorldAIDSDay2024  RRP+ team participated in Umuganda (Community work) in a vibrant tree-planting activity.  During a community gathering after Umuganda, the minister of health Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana urged Rubavu residents and all Rwandans to stick to prevention as a strongest tool in the fight against HIV.

Strengthening Voices of Youth Ambassadors in Advocacy

Youth Ambassadors were also paid a courtesy visit by different stakeholders including UN Agencies and other international organizations, local civil society organizations, among others, during training on HIV prevention. Their commitment to boosting these champions’ efforts in community sensitization remains inspiring.

Yvan Ngoboka, one of the Youth Ambassadors said, “Your support fuels our passion and strengthens our efforts to make a difference. Your guidance and resources empower us to reach more people, break barriers of stigma, and amplify the voices of young people in the fight against HIV.”

Joining Forces with Local Artists to Inspire Change

In another pre-event to  #WorldAIDSDay2024 , RRP+ youth ambassadors were facilitated to join forces with local artists to spread the message of HIV prevention, in a spectacular performance held in Rubavu district.  The ambassadors had an opportunity to interact with several local artists before and after their performances.

Beyond December 1

 The spirit of “End AIDS: My Responsibility” lives on as there is a six-month campaign that aims to sustain the momentum generated on World AIDS Day and to deepen the impact of HIV advocacy, prevention, and treatment efforts. The campaign focuses on empowering communities, reducing stigma, and encouraging action across diverse groups. World AIDS Day 2024 may have just been one day, but the commitment to ending AIDS continues daily—until the epidemic is no more.