29/08/2026
Young People at the Centre of HIV/AIDS Conversation!
At the ARISE Youth Skills Week 2026, themed “Skills for a Shared Future,” organized by the Akwa Ibom State Government in collaboration with Ministry of Youth Development, Akwa Ibom State, an engaging Fireside Chat brought together stakeholders and young people for an honest conversation on “Empowering Young People for an HIV-Free Future — From Awareness to Action."
Representing the voice of young people, Esther Emmanuel, the Executive Assistant of Brokline Foundation and NYNETHA State Coordinator, joined the panel alongside Dr. Emediong Akpan from Akwa Ibom State Agency for the Control of AIDS - Aksaca, Dr. Michael A Ejeh from CCCRN, Dr. Uyoho from ECEWS, the APYIN State Coordinator, Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Youth Development Desk Officer, Mr. Utipobong Obed and the panel host, Dr Mrs Ekpoudo.
The conversation explored what it truly takes to move beyond HIV awareness to empowering young people to take action and make informed choices.
Importantly, we also used the platform to create awareness about the availability of Lenacapavir (LEN) PrEP services in Akwa Ibom State, ensuring that the conversation moved beyond awareness to connecting young people with emerging HIV prevention options.
The takeaway?
Young people cannot do it alone, and neither can adults do it without young people. Building healthier communities requires young people, families, communities, institutions, and decision-makers to work together.
For us at BLF, we believe young people should not only be the focus of HIV conversations, they should be heard, included, empowered, and active in shaping solutions and driving action towards an HIV-free future.