The empowerment of YPLHIV requires urgent attention – our voices and our concerns are still unheard in many areas of the world. The ongoing empowerment of YPLHIV is crucial to the creation of an atmosphere of opportunity that will ensure a sustainable movement of YPLHIV in Africa. The skills and experiences of previous leaders in the YPLHIV movement are of critical importance as well as the need to develop new leadership. We recognise the progress that has been achieved in the past and we must build on this and continue to develop our own agendas. Strong leadership in the YPLHIV community will foster a supportive and conducive environment for other young HIV positive people to come forward and speak out.”

Recommendations

• A strong mentorship programme needs to be developed and be supported by other partners, at all levels. It must recognise the gaps in the capacities of young emerging leaders and support them to gain new skills.
• An open and consultative space needs to be established with support of people living with HIV (PLHIV) net-works for the regular transfer of skills and experiences to strengthen new leaders’ capacities and continued development.
• YPLHIV need support to raise awareness among stakeholders as to the array of opportunities that exist to support the development of members of the YPLHIV community for the benefit of the HIV response more broadly.