Health champions start young

Last month, AHF Africa teams marked the Day of the African Child (DAC)—observed annually on June 16, with vibrant celebrations across the continent, unveiling the revitalized Boys2Men program under the theme “Be the Hero of Your Health.”

This renewed commitment aims to increase visibility, awareness, and action for adolescent boys and young men (ABYM) in HIV, comprehensive sexuality education (CSE), and sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) programming across the region.

AHF Nigeria partnered with Dynamite Football Club to engage local youth through a football (soccer) match, followed by a youth life coach’s talk on goal-setting and empowering boys to take charge of their health and future.

While global and regional efforts have made notable progress in reducing HIV incidence, ABYM in sub-Saharan Africa continue to be left behind—underrepresented in HIV testing, prevention, and treatment services. Launched in 2018, AHF’s Boys2Men program seeks to close this gap by promoting positive masculinity, early testing and treatment, and stigma-free care tailored to the needs of ABYM.

Youth, leaders, and community members joined AHF Rwanda to launch their Boys2Men program, sparking dialogue and youth-led solutions on boys’ access to SRH services.

Government and community leaders joined AHF South Africa and youth for a powerful dialogue on boys’ health and development, with a UNESCO-led panel exploring mentorship, digital media, and HIV prevention.

Tanzania held a live radio session on Sachita FM, highlighting the barriers adolescent boys and young men face in accessing HIV and SRH services.

Zimbabwe brought together over 200 students, teachers, and pastors for an event featuring youth-led sessions on child rights, health, and HIV, followed by a tournament of traditional African sports.

Since 2022, AHF has used the Day of the African Child as a powerful platform to advocate for youth-friendly HIV services, CSE, SRHR, and stronger policies to address gender-based violence and unplanned pregnancy. This year’s commemorations reaffirmed AHF’s commitment to ensuring ABYM are no longer left behind in Africa’s HIV response.

AHF Myanmar’s Earthquake Relief Leaves a Lasting Impact

AHF team members engage camp residents by distributing health education materials and raising awareness about disease prevention.

Following the devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake on March 28, AHF Myanmar delivered vital humanitarian aid to more than 2,000 affected families in the Mandalay and Sagaing regions. Over several months, AHF teams distributed 400 large bags of rice, 600 family kits, 600 tarpaulin sheets, 250 mosquito nets, and 200 blankets, while providing crucial health education on preventing heatstroke and diarrheal diseases across seven temporary camps. The family kits included mosquito repellent, oral rehydration salts, water purification tablets and sanitary supplies.

This phase marks the completion of AHF’s ongoing relief efforts, first reported in an earlier update. In the immediate aftermath of the earthquake – which claimed more than 4,000 lives and injured nearly 8,000 – AHF rapidly mobilized to supply trauma medicines and emergency surgical supplies to hospitals in Pyinmana, and distributed over 100 emergency kits to families.

Dr. Sarath meets with local community members in Pyinmana following the natural disaster.

"AHF's Asia Bureau is committed to supporting earthquake-affected communities, including people living with HIV and their families, through the donation of emergency medicines that proved critical in saving lives," said Dr. Chhim Sarath, AHF Asia Bureau Chief.

"Our earlier provision of food and hygiene kits helped address urgent needs and symbolized our solidarity with local partners – particularly the Myanmar Medical Association (Pyinmana Branch) – and our appreciation for the Myanmar government’s swift cooperation following the devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake."

AHF Myanmar team distributes family kits to community members affected by the earthquake.

Viviana Vargas: Leading with Purpose

COLOMBIA

Viviana Vargas is AHF Colombia's Regional Coordinator for Rapid Testing and Linkage Programs. Her story is next in our "I Am AHF" series featuring remarkable staff, clients, and partners who are doing what's right to save lives everyday.

Since joining the organization in 2013, Viviana Vargas has been a driving force in expanding AHF’s impact in Valledupar, Colombia. As AHF Colombia’s Regional Coordinator for Rapid Testing and Linkage Programs, she leads collaboration among healthcare providers, community organizations, and local leaders to deliver stigma-free, trusted HIV testing, care, and support. Her leadership has strengthened patient follow-up systems and introduced innovative strategies to bring services closer to vulnerable populations.

Beyond managing programs, Viviana emphasizes empathy and trust, ensuring that each individual feels supported and understood. Her dedication highlights the profound difference that committed leadership can make in public health

"Supporting clients through emotional, social, and familial burdens is the most gratifying aspect of my work," said Vargas.

What experience or influences led you to pursue a professional career in HIV/AIDS care?
During my professional training as a bacterióloga (Clinical Laboratory Scientist specializing in microbiology), I only understood diagnosis and results from the lab perspective without patient contact. When I joined the local Health Department of Valledupar in 2013, I began working as the lead for sexual and reproductive health. There, I was assigned the HIV/AIDS and STI component, which required direct patient interaction. I performed duties aligned with guidelines from Colombia’s Ministry of Health and Social Protection to uphold the rights and responsibilities of those with this diagnosis. This experience allowed me to witness patients’ social, familial, and overall circumstances—which deeply impacted me and sparked my desire to deepen my knowledge of these situations.

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