As Rwanda and the world observe World AIDS Day, our collective consciousness is drawn not just to the statistics or medical advancements in the fight against HIV/AIDS, but to the personal stories that underscore this battle. I write not only as an observer but as someone who has felt the sting of HIV personally, having lost three close relatives to this relentless epidemic.

In our quest to end AIDS by 2030, as per the UNICEF and UNAIDS "ALL IN End Adolescent AIDS” initiative, there’s an aspect we must not overlook – the mental health of teens living with HIV. It’s not just about medication; it’s about nurturing the mind and soul.

This is where the story of Agape Ishimwe, a young Rwandan artist, becomes pivotal. Agape’s journey with HIV, beginning from birth and revealed to him through a harrowing experience at school, speaks volumes about the silent battles many face. Despite his struggles, concealing his status from his friends, and even going to the extent of hiding in washrooms to take his medication, including periods of depression and self-stigma, Agape found solace and expression in art. His project "Ubugeni Bwomora” (Art that Heals) is a testament to the transformative power of art in healing and empowering HIV-positive youth.

Agape’s story is more than an individual success story. It embodies the broader challenge we face in Rwanda and across Africa. While medical advancements have brought us closer to controlling HIV – with 90% of those infected now on medication and campaigns like "Stop AIDS” raising awareness – the battle against the virus is as much mental as it is physical.

The numbers speak plainly. Over 7,000 Rwandan children live with HIV. A 2020 study found just 11% of teenage girls and 7% of boys in Kigali clinics were tested, falling drastically short of UNAIDS’ 95% target. Limited awareness and enduring stigma continue threatening young lives. Like Agape, youth mask their status, taking medications covertly, and struggling silently with crippling self-doubt.

Self-stigmatisation, a product of societal stigma, is a significant hurdle. It leads to a split in identity, where one’s true self is masked behind a façade deemed acceptable by society. This duality can be destructive, leading to self-sabotage and a diminished quality of life. Moreover, considering the socio-economic landscape, where the HIV community is often disproportionately poor, focusing on mental well-being is crucial. We cannot discuss integrating individuals into society without addressing the stigma that forces them into the shadows.

Crucially, it’s time to move beyond top-down interventions and embrace ground-up leadership, where youth like Agape, who have lived the reality of HIV, guide the way. Agape’s decision to become an advocate emerged from the understanding that many youths living with HIV are mired in self-stigmatisation, hindering their personal development due to a lack of role models. To counter this, he envisions creating communities open to discussions about HIV, and empowering others through relatable experiences. Initiatives like support groups, creative platforms, and online communities driven by young advocates like him can transform mindsets, encouraging open dialogue and reshaping futures towards acceptance and understanding.

Empowering youth, therefore, means more than just offering them token seats at decision-making tables dominated by elders. It calls for a full-fledged investment in youth-centred and youth-led endeavours, like how the Mastercard Foundation championed Agape.

Agape’s project in Karongi District is not just about art; it’s a movement towards mental liberation, self-acceptance, and social integration. By engaging HIV-positive youth through storytelling and art, "Ubugeni Bwomora” offers a pathway to healing and job creation, which is essential in a country where a quarter of a million people live with HIV.

As we strive to meet the UN’s goal to end AIDS by 2030 and Rwanda’s vision for 2050, projects like Agape should be at the forefront. They go beyond the medical aspect of HIV and address the holistic needs of those affected.

I want to challenge us to support and multiply such initiatives. We need more Agapes, more advocates who understand the struggle from within and can lead the change in their communities. By empowering our youth, we don’t just fight a virus; we nurture a generation of activists and leaders who can envision a future free of AIDS, not just in body but in mind and spirit.

Let World AIDS Day remind us of our strides and the journey ahead. It’s a fight we can win together.

Diane Ineza is a certified digital marketing associate, trained lay counsellor, and an HIV/Aids activist.