The inequalities which perpetuate the AIDS pandemic are not inevitable; we can tackle them. This year’s World AIDS Day slogan “Equalize” is a call to action. It is a prompt for all of us to address how we as individuals can raise awareness, address inequalities, and support the health and well-being #SDG3 of our friends, family members, and communities.

Today on World AIDS Day we want to reiterate the importance of creating safe places for youth to discuss inequalities, to address current societal challenges such as gender-based violence, and the stigma around the HIV & AIDS pandemic.

The “Scouting and AIDS” initiative is an awareness and behavioral change programme where youth share factual information and facilitate discussions with their peers, while promoting gender sensitization and build resilience amidst participating adolescents.

By engaging, having the conversation, and enabling self-confidence, we can help our young members to identify negative situations and be able to verbalize the word “no” when needed.

The ongoing gender-based inequalities, violence, exclusion and discrimination puts vulnerable members of our society at increased risk of acquiring HIV. We therefore encourage our members to be educated and empowered and to run the “Scouting and AIDS” programme within their Groups.

Let’s be informed and empowered so we can “equalize” current inequalities within our communities.

#SDG5 #SDG3 #WorldAidsDay #GlobalGoals #YouthEmpowerment #PeerEducation #Dialogue #resilience #Equalize