Adolescent girls and young women must be empowered to provide the leadership that is needed to reduce new HIV infections in the highest burden countries in eastern and southern Africa. This is the message that Luiz Loures, UNAIDS Deputy Executive Director, shared during the launch of an international initiative in Johannesburg, South Africa, on 17 November that aims to keep adolescent girls and young women free from HIV.
Adolescent girls and young women are at higher risk of HIV infection for a range of biological and socioeconomic reasons, including poverty, gender inequality and limited access to youth-friendly health services. Adolescent girls and young women account for a quarter of new HIV infections in South Africa, according to the Human Sciences Research Council of South Africa. Yet, behind the numbers, there is a vibrant group of people aged 15 to 24 who are eager to get involved in solving problems that affect them and their communities.
Better known as DREAMS, the Determined, Resilient, Empowered, AIDS-Free, Mentored, and Safe initiative is supported by the United States President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and Girl Effect.
DREAMS will be implemented in two provinces and five high-burden districts in South Africa. Its ambitious target is to reduce new HIV infections among young women and girls by 40% over two years in 10 countries across eastern and southern Africa.
“DREAMS is a blueprint of hope. If we prevent new HIV infections among young women and girls, we can reduce new HIV infections globally by 90%. All the girls here have dreams and I have a dream too—that we keep our young girls safe and AIDS-free.”
Deborah Birx, United States Global AIDS Coordinator
“The problem in society is that we don’t want to teach our girls about sex. We don’t want to give young women condoms because we think we are encouraging girls to have sex. Young women and girls need to change people’s mindset. Go to the clinic and demand your health rights.”
Aaron Motsoaledi, Minister of Health, South Africa
“DREAMS is not just about reducing new HIV infections among young women and girls. It is about transforming society. It is about bringing hope to the world. UNAIDS stands with Deborah Birx, South Africa and PEPFAR to achieve the DREAMS targets.”
Luiz Loures, UNAIDS Deputy Executive Director
“Young women and girls are not looking for patrons. They are looking for partners. Everything that young women and girls say will be taken into account. They are the dream keepers.”
Patrick Gaspard, United States Ambassador in South Africa
“For so many aching years young women and girls wanted to be involved in issues that concern them. DREAMS is responding to the needs of our young women and girls by involving them. Our role is to stand up, act and take responsibility.”
Steve Letsike, Chairperson, South African National AIDS Council’s Civil Society Forum
