AR DTHF EGPAF 2022 SoftLaunch scaled

Africa REACH Soft-Launch at the International Workshop on Adolescents and HIV 

5-7 October 2022

What was the Objective of the Meeting?

The International Workshop on Adolescents and HIV, hosted by Virology Education, took place from the 5- 7 October 2022 and had over 250 participants from international and regional civil society, academia and the private sector in attendance. Africa REACH co-hosted the welcome reception with Virology Education and used the opportunity to announce the Africa REACH launch in January 2023 in Addis Ababa.

What were some of the key take-aways?

During the reception, Africa REACH shared a video by the co-chair of the Leadership Council Rev. Godson Kapuvuvu, where he reiterated the importance for an African-led, African-focused lense on paediatric HIV advocacy and the importance of involving young people in these discussions. Council member Ms. Chido Mpemba joined virtually to introduce Africa REACH and announce the official launch taking place at the African Union Heads of State Summit in 2023.

Who attended the workshop?

The International Workshop on Adolescents and HIV workshop was attended by regional and international technical expertise, researchers, health providers, regulators and civil society organisations focused adolescent on SRH and the HIV response.

Next steps…

The workshop and the welcome reception were successful, not only in introducing Africa REACH to the global HIV community, but to garner support and meet potential allies in its mission to end paediatric AIDS by 2023.