DOES HIV LOOK LIKE ME? SWAZILAND

When Hope’s Voice International first contacted country partners in Swaziland, the partners were not convinced that young people would sign up as Ambassadors, despite the fact that 26% of the population is infected with HIV. However, once the word spread that this campaign would portray young people as they wanted to been seen and heard, young people quickly jumped at the chance. In fact, so many Ambassadors (and their partners and friends) showed up that some had to be turned away! This experience demonstrates so clearly the appeal of a campaign that empowers young people. Even though one quarter of the entire population between the ages of 15-49 is living with HIV, stigma and discrimination persists. Young people are eager for outlets to define their own experience and to be actively involved in re-defining the present and shaping the future.