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Two African Social Media Influencers Living with HIV to Address UNGA
Two African Social Media Influencers Living with HIV to Address UNGA
By: Michael Mike
Two young social media influencers living with HIV with the support of the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV and AIDS (UNAIDS) are on their way to the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) and the Summit of the Future in New York to urge world leaders to partner with them in the response to HIV.
The two, Ibanomonde Ngema from South Africa and Jerop Lima from Kenya, according to a statement on Thursday by UNAIDS, will call on leaders to invest in youth-friendly health systems, provide holistic services for young people living with HIV, and to partner with young people and communities, allowing them to lead in the response to HIV.
Executive Director of UNAIDS. Winnie Byanyima said: “Young people’s powerful and vibrant activism has driven so much of the progress made in the HIV response,” adding that: “They know what works for them. It is essential for leaders to listen to them to understand the specific challenges that young people face and how those challenges can be overcome. Leaders can only successfully plan how to end AIDS and sustain the advances made by partnering with young people living with HIV.”
The young Kenyan HIV activist. Jerop Limo, said: “I am representing not only the voices of 1.5 million Kenyans living with HIV but all people living with HIV,” adding that: “I want leaders to leave New York knowing that we are not beneficiaries, we are equal rights holders. We have a voice, we have skills and expertise and we need an equal playing field where our data is valued, where our input is valued and where our voices are heard. We want meaningful and ethical engagement of adolescents and young people in all spaces of the AIDS response.”
According to the statement, young people, especially adolescent girls and young women, are disproportionately affected by HIV. Globally, 44% of all new HIV infections were among women and girls (all ages) in 2023 and every week 4000 young women and girls around the world are infected with HIV—3100 are in sub-Saharan Africa. In 2023, some 3.1 million adolescents and young people (15-24 yrs) were living with HIV—1.9 million were adolescent girls and young women.
Ibanomonde Ngema, a young South African AIDS activist, said: “Governments meeting here in New York cannot end AIDS alone. They need to involve us to find solutions. We have lived experiences of HIV, from treatment to mental health, because we navigate life with HIV every day. We need to be included in policymaking so that we can take full ownership of ending end AIDS as a public threat,”
He noted that: “The world can only benefit when young people are included in the global HIV response. No conversation about HIV should take place without us, from policy to practice in communities.”
The safety decried that too often young people report facing stigma and discrimination, including from doctors and healthcare workers, when they access sexual and reproductive health and HIV services. This discourages them from seeking support and crucial information about their health, putting them at risk of HIV infection or of defaulting on treatment for those who are living with HIV.
The statement added that young people living with HIV play a critical role in the fight against AIDS in communities. They offer support and share important information about HIV that schools or parents might not talk about. They also challenge stigma and discrimination through social media, helping to save lives and encourage young people to stay on treatment.
It also added that they drive innovation in communities, for example, a self-funded project by the Youth Empowerment Group uses e-bikes to deliver antiretroviral medicines, food and adherence support to young people who often cannot attend clinics because their schooling hours conflict with clinic opening times in Namibia.
However, their transformational work is being held back because it is not being sufficiently supported. Youth-led HIV responses often operate with little or no financial and political support. At the UNGA the two young people will call on world leaders to fully support and fund their work. They will also urge leaders to uphold the human rights of young people as key to ending AIDS as a public health threat—they will call on them to protect young people’s right to healthcare, education, freedom of speech, and to provide social support to young people living with HIV.
Jerop Lima said: “Providing treatment is not enough, young people living with HIV need an education and they need a job to survive,” adding that: “We need to be seen as equal contributors and partners, and we need investment to allow us drive change. We are the leaders of the future and we need to be included now to help shape a better future for us all.”
Two African Social Media Influencers Living with HIV to Address UNGA
STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE
Christmas: VP Shettima Assures Citizens Of FG’s Commitment To Their Welfare
*** Says national security, economic transformation remain President Tinubu’s priorities
By: Our Reporter
Vice President Kashim Shettima has assured Nigerians of the federal government’s dedication to national security, economic transformation, and welfare of the citizens.
In a Christmas message on Wednesday, the Vice President said the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains unwavering in its focus on these critical areas, as the country looks forward to the dawn of a new year.
He said, “In these times of economic transformation, I want to assure you that the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration remains steadfast in its commitment to improving the lives of all Nigerians.”
Vice President Shettima particularly urged the citizens to imbibe the virtues of national unity during the yuletide season.
“Nigeria’s diversity remains our greatest strength. Let us avail ourselves of the time provided by the holiday season to strengthen the bonds of brotherhood that unite us across all faiths and regions,” he said.
Senator Shettima assured Nigerians of the continued vigilance of the nation’s security forces, noting that “our brave security personnel will continue to work round the clock during this festive period to keep us safe.”
He said enhanced security measures have been put in place to protect the citizens during the holiday period.
“The relevant agencies have been mobilized to ensure your safety and comfort on all major routes,” he stated, urging travelers to remain vigilant.
VP Shettima expressed optimism about the nation’s trajectory in the coming year, saying, “I am filled with hope and optimism about Nigeria’s future. Together, we will build a more prosperous and united nation.
“To our young people, you are the backbone of our nation. The Renewed Hope administration is implementing various initiatives to create opportunities for you to thrive and contribute to Nigeria’s development,” he added.
Concerned Citizens of Northeast Felicitates with Christians on Christmas Celebration
…Urges Sustained Prayers for Peace, Prosperity, Well-being of Region and Nigeria
By: Our Reporter
The Concerned Citizens of Northeast has felicitated with Christians in the State and across the world as they celebrate this year’s Christmas.
CCNE called on the Christian faithful and all citizens of Northeast States to embrace the core values of Christmas which connote love, peace, reconciliation, and selflessness, while reflecting on its deeper spiritual significance.
“As we mark this joyous occasion, we urge everyone to emulate the virtues of love, sacrifice, and compassion demonstrated by Jesus Christ. Let us use this period to promote unity, understanding, and cooperation among ourselves, which are essential for building a harmonious and progressive society.
They encouraged the people of the region to sustain the bonds of brotherhood and communal support, emphasizing the need for continued peace and stability in the state.
The Concerned Citizens of Northeast further called for prayers for the prosperity and well-being of the nation, especially during these challenging economic times.
“While these times are undeniably tough, we encourage everyone not to lose hope but to stay optimistic and committed to the vision of a better Nigeria. Together, we can overcome our challenges and pave the way for a brighter future.
Concerned Citizens of Northeast Felicitates with Christians on Christmas Celebration
News
Tsafe community breathing sigh of relief following Killing of Notorious Bandit “Al’jan” by Nigerian troops
Tsafe community breathing sigh of relief following Killing of Notorious Bandit “Al’jan” by Nigerian troops
By Zagazola Makama
Residents of Tsafe Local Government Area in Zamfara State are breathing a sigh of relief following the neutralization of a notorious bandit known as “Al’jan,” who had long terrorized the community.
Originally from Niger Republic, “Al’jan,” whose real name remains undisclosed, settled in Tsafe LGA after working as a motorcycle taxi operator. This job connected him with Fulani herders, leading him down a path of criminality.
Over time, he forged alliances with a bandit group led by Hassan Bamamu, becoming deeply entrenched in acts of banditry and terror throughout the region.
Utilizing his extensive knowledge of Tsafe and its surroundings, “Al’jan” acted as a guide for criminal gangs, orchestrating numerous raids and kidnappings.
He was implicated in several high profile killings, including those of Anas Umar Dan Kanti, Alhaji Musa Ille, and an unnamed Navy officer.
The reign of terror that “Al’jan” inflicted on the community came to an end three weeks ago when security forces successfully neutralized him and several of his associates during a joint operation between Mada and Yandoton Daji in Tsafe LGA.
This operation involved a coordinated effort by soldiers and local vigilantes, who ambushed the gang as they traversed the area.
The elimination of “Al’jan” has brought newfound hope to the people of Tsafe, particularly those residing along the Tsafe-Gusau road, which had suffered from frequent attacks. Residents of Bamamu village, his last known hideout, confirmed his death after viewing his remains.
Tsafe community breathing sigh of relief following Killing of Notorious Bandit “Al’jan” by Nigerian troops
GEAR UP FOR GREATER RESPONSIBILITIES
Christmas: VP Shettima Assures Citizens Of FG’s Commitment To Their Welfare
Concerned Citizens of Northeast Felicitates with Christians on Christmas Celebration
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