In Northern Taraba, the fight against HIV is not just about statistics—it is about people, their stories, and their daily struggles. Adolescents and young people living with HIV (AYPLHIV) face challenges that go beyond medical care: stigma, mental health pressures, social isolation, and the constant need to remain adherent to treatment. Addressing these challenges requires more than clinics and drugs; it requires platforms where young voices are heard and supported.
With support from the U.S. Embassy through PEPFAR, the Centre for Initiative and Development (CFID) has been working to improve access to HIV/AIDS information and services through both physical and virtual platforms. Recently, Operation Triple Zero (OTZ) meetings were held at General Hospital Zing and Federal Medical Centre Jalingo, bringing together over 120 adolescents and young people—43 males and 77 females.
A Safe Space for Young Voices
At both venues, participants were given the opportunity to introduce themselves, share their stories, and express their expectations from healthcare systems. For many, this was not just a meeting but a safe space—an environment where they could speak without fear of judgment. One participant captured it well: “Sometimes we feel like no one understands what we are going through. But here, I can talk without shame.”
Learning the Importance of Adherence
At General Hospital Zing, the discussions focused on adherence to HIV care. Participants were reminded that adherence means following the doctor’s instructions faithfully, keeping clinic appointments, and taking antiretroviral drugs at the right time.
Simple tools such as alarms, clocks, calendars, and even prayer times were suggested as ways to build consistency. Treatment supporters—friends, family, or mentors—were also encouraged to help young people stay on track.
The consequences of non-adherence were highlighted: increased risk of opportunistic infections, drug resistance, and untimely death. By the end, participants left with renewed determination to stay committed to their treatment journey.
Sharing Experiences at FMC Jalingo
At the Federal Medical Centre Jalingo, the meeting went deeper into experience sharing. Adolescents and young people spoke candidly about living with HIV—about the weight of stigma, the burden of mental health struggles, and the challenges of accessing healthcare services.
Participants also gave feedback on the quality of youth-friendly services available to them, highlighting the importance of confidentiality and dignity in healthcare delivery. One young woman explained, “Sometimes the hardest part is not the medicine—it’s the way people look at you when they know your status. We need care that sees us as people first.”
Why These Meetings Matter
These OTZ meetings, supported by CFID with funding from the U.S. Embassy/PEPFAR, go beyond simple gatherings. They represent a commitment to building youth-friendly, stigma-free, and supportive systems of care. By giving young people a platform to speak, the healthcare system is better positioned to respond to their needs and create solutions that truly work for them.
A Call to Action
The journey toward an HIV-free generation in Taraba cannot be achieved without young people at the center. Families, communities, healthcare providers, and policymakers must work together to ensure that every adolescent and young person has access to accurate information, quality treatment, and supportive networks.
Because when young people are empowered, informed, and supported, they do not just survive with HIV—they thrive, becoming leaders in the fight to end it.