It’s not every day a community advocate takes home a global award. And it’s even rarer when that trailblazer is an African woman. But Yvette Raphael did just that and reminded the world why her voice cannot be ignored.

The Society for AIDS in Africa is proud to celebrate Yvette Raphael, a fearless leader in HIV advocacy, as she receives the 2024 Breakthrough Award from the AAS. Among just three recipients worldwide in 2024, Yvette stands shoulder to shoulder with leading scientists and clinicians—a powerful recognition of her impact from the grassroots to global stages.

At #IAS2025, the Society for AIDS in Africa (SAA) joined hands with her peers, young women, and fellow advocates to honour her journey in a heartfelt tribute. WACI Health, the Ground Forces, UNITAID Board members, CASPR, and lots more representatives were present to celebrate.

The message was clear: Yvette doesn’t just represent communities; she empowers them to be heard. In a sector where African women’s leadership is too often sidelined, she’s written her name into history with bold, unwavering action.

And she’s not stopping now.

Mark your calendar for #ICASA2025 in Accra, Ghana, from 3–8 December 2025. Yvette will lead the Community Program, curating powerful spaces for healing, truth-telling, and real solutions. If you want to witness change in motion, this is where you need to be.

Her win isn’t just hers—it belongs to every African woman fighting for others.

“Yvette reminds us: community advocates aren’t footnotes. They’re the heartbeat of this fight.”

We celebrate Yvette today—and we’ll stand with her tomorrow.

#YvetteRaphael #BreakthroughLeader #HIVAdvocacy #WomenInGlobalHealth #ICASA2025 #AfricaRising #CommunityHero #SAA #AAS #GlobalHealth