STANDING WITH YOUTH LIVING WITH HIV/AIDS

Introduction

F SSIBU Mission Foundation–Uganda is pleased to announce the successful launch of a new campaign aimed at supporting youth living with HIV/AIDS, with particular attention to girls whose education and well-being are at greater risk. The campaign was established in response to the growing challenges faced by vulnerable young people in our communities and our commitment to ensuring that they have equal opportunities to learn, grow, and achieve their full potential.

Situation Overview

Many young people living with HIV/AIDS continue to face stigma, discrimination, and social isolation within their schools and communities. These challenges often affect their mental health, self-esteem, and academic performance. Financial hardship further limits their ability to remain in school, as many families struggle to provide school fees, scholastic materials, nutritious meals, transport to health facilities, and other essential needs.

Girls are disproportionately affected. Alongside managing lifelong HIV treatment, many experience gender-based discrimination, menstrual health challenges, and increased household responsibilities. Some miss classes because of illness or medical appointments, while others are forced to leave school due to poverty or fear of stigma. Without adequate support, these girls become more vulnerable to school dropout, early pregnancy, child marriage, and exploitation.

Campaign Objectives

The campaign seeks to improve the lives of youth living with HIV/AIDS by promoting access to education, strengthening psychosocial support, improving nutrition where possible, encouraging treatment adherence, and raising community awareness to reduce HIV-related stigma. Through these interventions, the foundation aims to create a supportive environment where young people can continue their education with dignity and confidence.

Conclusion

The successful launch of this campaign marks an important step toward addressing the educational and social challenges affecting youth living with HIV/AIDS. F SSIBU Mission Foundation–Uganda calls upon donors, development partners, volunteers, and well-wishers to support this initiative. Together, we can help ensure that every young person living with HIV/AIDS has the opportunity to stay in school, live with dignity, and build a brighter future.