AIDS-free holidays 2025 campaign launched in Buea with focus on youth

The AIDS-Free Holidays 2025 campaign has been officially launched on Thursday, August 7, 2025 in Bongo square Buea, South West Region, under the theme "Zero New HIV Infections Among Youths: That's Our Challenge for 2030." 

The campaign targets young people across the region, aiming to reduce new infections through education, free testing, and mobile outreach. The launch event brought together government officials, health workers, civil society actors, religious and traditional leaders, and hundreds of young people. 

With active participation from youth groups like the Dr. Biaka Memorial Foundation and artistic performances by Akumba Entertainment, the day was filled with powerful messages on HIV prevention and hope for those infected. 

Statistics and Urgency

Statistics show that the South West Region has an HIV prevalence rate of 3.2%, which is higher than the national average of 2.7%. The 15-24 age group is the most affected, making this campaign even more urgent and necessary.

Due to the ongoing socio-political crisis in the Southwest, the mobile caravan will target this region to ensure those on treatment can continue with it. 

Campaign details

Dr. Tata Divine, Coordinator for the Regional Technical Group for HIV/AIDS in the South West Region, emphasised that the mobile caravan will reach communities where access to testing is limited and where stigma remains a barrier. 

"We must take the fight to the streets, churches, markets - everywhere young people are," he stressed. The campaign will run until August 20, with the mobile caravan touring major towns in the region, offering free HIV and hepatitis screening, education, and counseling. 

Call to action

Authorities are calling on everyone, from traditional and religious leaders to youth and women's groups, to join hands in making this initiative a success. This campaign is not just a health initiative; it's a movement to protect the future of our youth and stop HIV in its tracks. 

Partners 

The campaign is supported by partners such as the Dr. Biaka Memorial Foundation, Akumba Entertainment, and the Chantal Biya Foundation. Together, we can make a difference and create a future with zero new HIV infections. 

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BY TAKOM CARINE

Cross section of participants in group picture with organisers