CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL OF OUR STIGMA BREAKERS!
The ICASA Storytelling Video Competition was launched by the Society for AIDS in Africa (SAA) to celebrate its 35th anniversary and amplify the voices of people living with HIV across the continent and diaspora. The competition invited people living with HIV to share their personal journeys through video storytelling, the competition empowered PLHIV to share their personal journeys, challenge stigma, and inspire change. Participants used creative expressions to showcase their resilience, share their personal journeys, raise awareness, educate communities, and contribute to a more compassionate understanding of living with HIV in Africa today.
The competition received an overwhelming response with 61 entries from 16 countries across Africa and the diaspora:
- 43 entries from Category A (18–35 years)
- 18 entries from Category B (36 years and above)
- Diverse representation: 28 male, 32 female, and 1 non-binary participant
SAA@35 STORYTELLING JURIES
The jury comprised five distinguished media and communication professionals from across Africa. Mr. Azonwakin Alexis of Benin and Mr. Emmanuel Chibwana of Malawi brought decades of expertise in strategic communication, broadcasting, and storytelling standards, while Judith Basutama of Burundi contributed critical insight into ethical, gender-sensitive reporting. Mr. Albert Dwumfour of Ghana lent his extensive experience in media strategy and audience engagement, and Mr. Pa Louis Thomasi of the IFJ in Senegal provided a pan-African perspective on editorial integrity and ethical journalism. Together, they represented a powerful blend of broadcasting, print, gender advocacy, and strategic communication expertise from across the continent.
After a rigorous two-stage selection process and a final selection process conducted at the ICASA 2025 storytelling session, we are delighted to present our winners who showcased their amazing stories at ICASA 2025 in Accra, Ghana.
Category A (18–35 years)
The first winner, Dorcas Nyarko, a 24-year-old Ghanaian, received a $3,000 cash prize.
Dorcas Nyarko is a Ghanaian youth advocate, gender activist, and health professional, currently serving as the National President of Young Health Advocates Ghana and a staff member at Hope For Future Generations. Her winning entry, Living Beyond HIV: A Journey of Strength and Resilience, is a courageous personal narrative of discovering her HIV-positive status in her teenage years after unknowingly beginning antiretroviral treatment at the age of five. Channeling her experience into purpose, she works with organizations including WAPCAS, HFFG, and YHAG to support young people living with HIV, combat stigma, and advocate for youth-friendly health policies. Her story is a testament to resilience, self-discovery, and the power of turning adversity into lasting impact. Click the link to watch the story: https://youtu.be/g8Ubw-s2mDM
The second winner, Doreen Moracha, a 32-year-old, received a $2,000 cash prize.
Doreen Moraa Moracha, widely known as the Undetectable Queen, is a Kenyan HIV advocate, social media influencer, and digital content creator who has lived with HIV since her birth in 1992. Defying childhood predictions that she would not survive, she transformed her journey of stigma and resilience into a powerful platform, founding I Am A Beautiful Story to reshape narratives around people living with HIV. A global voice against HIV-related stigma and misinformation, Doreen’s story is one of extraordinary strengths and thriving beyond all odds. Watch her story here: https://youtu.be/0k_kE35Vnb8
Category B (36 years and above)
The first winner, Ndorenyin Bassey, a 36-year-old Nigerian, received a $3,000 cash prize.
Ndorenyin Bassey is a 36-year-old Nigerian HIV advocate and volunteer Case Manager who lives positively and thriving with a suppressed viral load. Through his video submission, he offers a compelling personal narrative that stands as a powerful statement against HIV-related stigma. Beyond his story, he actively channels his experience into service, supporting over 500 recipients of care through the ACE5 project and demonstrating that life with HIV can be one of purpose, health, and impact. Watch his full video here: https://youtu.be/PbZbam-CMCQ
The second winner, Donatus Uko, a 54-year-old Nigerian, received a $2,000 cash prize.
Pastor Donatus Uko is a 54-year-old Nigerian community leader, pastor, and HIV advocate from Essien Udim, Akwa Ibom State, whose story is one of extraordinary courage and unwavering faith. Diagnosed alongside his young son in 2012, he has remained steadfast in his treatment, continuing to raise his now-thriving son Prosper despite facing stigma, family rejection, and the loss of his wife to breast cancer. Using his platform as a pastor, he champions HIV testing and treatment within his community, transforming personal adversity into a ministry of advocacy and compassion. Watch full video here: https://youtu.be/Vvj6v2CP2A0
These four exceptional storytellers captivated audiences with their authentic narratives, demonstrating the transformative power of sharing lived experiences with HIV.
The Selection Journey
Stage 1: Initial Screening
A preliminary review committee assessed all submissions based on:
- Storytelling & Authenticity – The compelling, honest, and impactful nature of each narrative
- Creativity & Originality – Creative storytelling techniques and original presentation
- Technical Quality – Adherence to video length, audio/visual clarity, and quality of bilingual captions
- Relevance & Impact – The story’s potential to educate, inspire, and reduce HIV-related stigma
