Jake Glaser opened the morning with a strong message of courage in fighting stigma related to HIV and calling on the youth to not let their circumstances or heath define who they are. This message set the stage for a morning of empowerment, asking the youth to use this platform to call governments and NGOs to action.

Poverty exposes children to emotional risks, violence and higher rates of HIV. Recognizing that youth play a critical role in addressing some of the world’s most significant developmental challenges, This Nelson Mandela day RIATT-ESA is highlighting the young peoples role on #ActionAgainstPoverty

Despite the efforts invested by governments, donors and others to reduce the burden of disease including HIV, they are still to achieve the desired effect. There is a need for new development approaches that take into consideration the cultural beliefs and practices of the people.

Since I attended the RIATT-ESA sponsored Children's Conference at the Psychosocial Support Conference in 2015, I have had meetings with stakeholders including government officials, MPs, partner organizations, etc.