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Empowering youth living with HIV: Nine years of the Y+ beauty pageant

27 September 2024, 9:41 pm

By Paul Kabali

Today marked a significant milestone as the Y+ Beauty Pageant celebrated its ninth anniversary at Hotel Africana. This initiative, launched by the Uganda Network of Young People Living with HIV/AIDS (UNYPA), has engaged over 1,092 young people, educating them about their rights and empowering them to serve as ambassadors in their communities.

Ruth Mugisa, Executive Director of UNYPA, reflected on the pageant’s journey, stating, “We are thrilled to launch the Y+ Beauty Pageant with regional auditions across Lira, Fort Portal, Mayuge, and Kampala, leading up to the grand finale! Let’s break barriers and create opportunities for youth living with HIV.”

The pageant is more than just a competition; it is a platform that nurtures confidence and leadership, enabling young people to challenge stigma and discrimination.

Ruth Mugisa, Executive Director of UNYPA.

However, the celebration was tempered by the stark reality of HIV statistics in Uganda. Each week, 730 new infections are recorded, with 80% affecting young people between the ages of 15 and 24. These figures highlight the urgent need for action, as emphasised by Mrs Sarah Nakku from UNAIDS.

She commended UNYPA for its ongoing fight against HIV stigma and called for increased efforts to protect young people from infection. “The future of HIV research is promising, but remaining committed to ARV adherence is crucial for a healthier tomorrow,” she urged, reminding everyone present of the vital importance of treatment adherence for youth living with HIV.

Mrs. Sarah Nakku from UNAIDS.

Dr Dan Byamukama, Head of HIV Prevention at the Uganda AIDS Commission, echoed these sentiments, congratulating the young people and praising their resilience. “Young people are born into a stigma that we created, and if the beauty pageant empowers them, so be it,” Dr Byamukama stated.

His remarks highlighted the broader societal responsibility to dismantle the stigma surrounding HIV, particularly for the younger generation.

Dr. Dan Byamukama, head of HIV prevention at the Uganda AIDS Commission.

Rose Nasejje Ouma, Senior Technical Adviser at The AIDS Support Organisation (TASO), expressed pride in supporting the Y+ initiative. She pledged TASO’s continued support, urging stakeholders to unite in the fight against stigma and discrimination. “We must ensure that young people living with HIV are not just survivors but thrive within their communities,” she emphasised.

Rose Nasejje Ouma, Senior Technical Adviser at The AIDS Support Organisation (TASO).

The Y+ Beauty Pageant serves as an essential platform for HIV-positive youth to stand tall, challenge misconceptions, and inspire others. As Uganda continues to battle new HIV infections, initiatives like this offer hope, empowerment, and a way forward for young people. The call to action is clear: invest in youth, protect the future, and fight stigma together.