We will continue to amplify your voices and share your stories on social media, because your voices are the ones that the world needs to hear.

#WorldAIDSDay is not just a campaign. It’s about people. It’s about standing up for health equity, dignity, and the fundamental human rights of every person living with HIV.

To all the activists out there: thank you for your courage and wisdom. You show the world what it means to fight for justice.

Each of these individuals—and so many others I have met—remind me of what resilience truly means, and why our job and role to protect human rights is so important.

Their stories have humbled me and challenged my thinking.

Recently I met with Ibanomonde Ngema from South Africa, an inspiring young woman who is using her voice and social media to support other young women who is living with HIV to get out of self stigma and call on discrimination.

Kimberly Amanda Springer from Trinidad and Tobago is another one who speaks strongly on protecting women’s rights

Paul Ndhlovu from Zimbabwe is one of these inspiring young advocate that I met earlier this year whose work is helping and counselling many other young people to live with HIV.