COMMUNIQUE ISSUED AT THE END OF THE 2008 PRE-WORLD AIDS DAY EDUCATION SESSION

Organized by
Global Youth Coalition on HIV/AIDS(Akwa Ibom State Chapter, Nigeria)/Young Activist Initiative Nigeria


On Saturday, September 29, 2008, youth leaders, health workers and professionals gathered in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria for the 2008 Pre-World AIDS Day Peer Education Session. The theme session for the session was “Young People, Take the Lead, Stop AIDS”.

The session seek to proffer solutions to the ill experiences faced by young people as a result of HIV/AIDS infection and to address possible ways in harnessing innovative measures to halt the HIV/AIDS prevalence especially among the youths’ from bottom to up, that is, redirecting efforts on planning programs to instigate impact from local communities to urban youths and students of tertiary institutions.
Sequel to one-on-one interactions between participants and resource persons, the following observations were made;

 Young people acknowledged that the present effort of governments and donor agencies to halt the HIV/AIDS prevalence were strides that will impact positively on the lives of the people and the society at large.

 That young Akwaibomites and youths globally have actively joined in the fight against HIV/AIDS.

 During discussions, it was observed that since the pandemic is susceptible among young people, therefore, youths are at best position to sensitizing their peers as they often interact and can easily win folks’ audience.

 It is pertinent that network of youth organisations be strengthen locally, national, regionally and globally for sharing of resources and experience to ensure best practices.

 Participants also stressed that donors and governments at all levels should support young leaders and youth organizations working on HIV/AIDS by setting out specific budgetary allocation to assist youths in their programmes.

 Funds should be made accessible to youth organizations to facilitate specific and timely programs.

 The need for access to comprehensive prevention, treatment, care and support is the full right of every child and youths at all levels.

 The session also stressed the need for technical support from health workers and professionals during youths’ programmes.

 Government and donor agencies should include full and meaningful participation of youth organizations in progammes and strategic decision-making platforms, especially such that affect our lives.

We request our government, donor agencies, health professionals and workers, stakeholders, partners, and all,

 To support youths strive in the fight against HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and other diseases

 To actively include young people in the decision-making processes, which has direct or indirect impact on young people?

 To monitor and evaluate funding in order to ensure that youth organisation have adequate accessibility to these funds as appropriate.

We have been empowered with knowledge (on resources and experiences shared during the session). Our great thanks to our supporters!

We believe that together, we can achieve a HIV-free generation!