Breaking Stigma, Building Awareness: GTQF Champions HIV Prevention Through Sports

Breaking Stigma, Building Awareness: GTQF Champions HIV Prevention Through Sports.

Photo: GTQF volunteer nurse educators—Douglas Elick and Miriam Kafalimani with other GTQF facilitators in white and some featured participants

 As part of its health promotion mandate, the Grown Too Quick Foundation (GTQF) conducted an impactful health awareness campaign focused on HIV prevention. The campaign harnessed the power of sports to engage and educate young people. The event was held as an independent Event affiliated with the AIDS 2024 Conference in Munich, Germany, where Mada D Nkhoma represented the GTQF as a delegate. It was published on the International AIDS Society’s official website, the largest body fighting HIV/AIDS globally. It brought together young people for an interactive and enlightening session on HIV prevention, treatment, and stigma reduction while enjoying the spirit of sports and camaraderie.

The awareness session provided essential education on Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) and Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), emphasising their role in HIV prevention. Participants also learned about U=U (Undetectable = Untransmittable)—the scientific evidence that people living with HIV who adhere to their Antiretroviral Therapy (ARVs) and maintain an undetectable viral load CANNOT transmit HIV to their partners. This groundbreaking message was received with enthusiasm, hope, and a renewed commitment to tackling stigma and promoting psychosocial support.

Short Campaign Video

Game On for Health Video: A Fun Approach to a Serious Issue

GTQF believes that awareness campaigns don’t have to be intimidating. By integrating sports and interactive discussions, the event created a safe and engaging environment where young people could freely ask questions, seek guidance, and gain clarity on critical issues surrounding HIV/AIDS. The initiative also emphasised the importance of seeking help, adherence to the HIV treatment, and supporting and embracing one another.

Take the Path That Ends AIDS!

Through initiatives like these, GTQF remains committed to combat misconceptions, ensuring that no young person contracts the virus or dies of HIV-related illnesses in the 21st century, the information age. With proper knowledge, access to effective treatment like Lenacapavir, and a supportive community, it is possible to end the epidemic by 2030.

Join the movement—#PutPeopleFirst and take the path that ends AIDS!

📢 #AIDS2024 | #HealthAwareness | #EndHIVStigma | #UequalsU | #TakeAction