ICASA 2025 Day 6: Youth Special Session

Empowering Young Voices and Combating Stigmatization in the HIV Response

Day 6 of ICASA 2025 opened with a dynamic Youth Special Session, bringing critical conversations to the forefront on the experiences of young people living with HIV, stigmatization, and the transformative role of digital advocacy. The session featured Dr. Rafiatou Soro from Burkina Faso and Mr. Shawn Dalmas, ICASA International Youth Programs Coordinator, who shared insights on barriers to care and the power of youth-led change.

Understanding and Addressing Stigmatization

Dr. Soro highlighted stigmatization as a major obstacle to healthcare access, particularly for individuals living with HIV/AIDS. She explained that stigma manifests in multiple forms:

 

• • Social or community stigmatization—rejection or judgment from family, neighbors, or community fueled by misconceptions and fear.
  • Institutional stigmatization—discriminatory laws, policies, and procedures that create barriers to care.
  • Self-stigmatization—internalized guilt or shame that delays seeking treatment.
  • Stigmatization in healthcare services—negative attitudes or practices by providers that compromise care quality.
  • Perceived stigmatization – fear of being judged, often resulting in avoidance of healthcare services.

 

Dr. Soro emphasized that the consequences are severe, leading to social isolation, mental health challenges, and poor health outcomes. She called for education and awareness campaigns, inclusive policies, training for healthcare providers, and community engagement to create safe, supportive environments for individuals living with HIV.

Harnessing Digital Tools for Advocacy

Mr. Dalmas took the stage to showcase how digital platforms are revolutionizing youth advocacy and social change across Africa. Highlighting issues like gender-based violence (GBV) and femicide, he emphasized that digital tools allow young people to amplify their voices, mobilize communities, and demand accountability from leaders.

He identified three core strengths of digital advocacy:

 

• • Speed – information spreads instantly, allowing rapid responses.
  • Accessibility—anyone, regardless of resources or institutional backing, can reach thousands.
  • Authenticity – lived experiences build trust and credibility, making messages more impactful.

 

Mr. Dalmas cited examples like South Africa’s Purple Campaign, illustrating the power of social media to mobilize people and spark change. He also highlighted how artificial intelligence enhances advocacy by targeting messages effectively, enabling resource mobilization, crowdfunding, and broader visibility.

A Path Towards Inclusive Care and Youth Empowerment

The session concluded with a clear message: addressing stigmatization and embracing digital advocacy are intertwined steps toward a more inclusive, equitable society. By combining Dr. Soro’s call to reduce stigma with Mr. Dalmas’s vision of digital empowerment, young people are equipped to break barriers to healthcare, amplify voices, and lead Africa’s HIV response with courage, creativity, and authenticity.