Achieving a deeper level of engagement is particularly important for addressing HIV and other diseases such malaria and tuberculosis (TB) that disproportionately affect younger populations. Globally, more than a quarter of new HIV infections occurred among people aged 15-24 in 2023, and in sub-Saharan Africa, adolescent girls and young women account for almost four in five new youth cases. According to a study of adolescents in South Africa, young women with HIV who experience gender-based violence are only half as likely to adhere to their treatment compared to those who haven’t experienced the same violence. Finding effective solutions to these enormous health challenges demands the insight and innovation of those most affected, Bonzo argues.
Initiatives like the HER Voice Fund are putting this into practice by facilitating direct dialogue between young people and policymakers. In Uganda, for example, the fund supported a group of young women with disabilities to advocate for their inclusion in sexual and gender-based violence policies. Their efforts led to the approval of the Kaliro District Policy on Disability and Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Services, enshrining commitments to address their specific needs and safeguard their rights.
This youth-driven approach resonates with many of GSK and ViiV Healthcare’s partners and programmes, which integrate young voices in multiple ways – from grassroots advocacy to developing projects aimed at driving systemic change. One example of this is the Africa Open Lab. Launched in 2014, the programme supports young scientists across the continent by providing grants and guidance to advance their work in combating infectious diseases.
For Victoria Etuk, a Nigerian pharmacist turned research scientist, the initiative is filling a critical gap. “Limited funding opportunities specifically for early career researchers are a major barrier we face,” she explains.
By helping young experts lead the charge in developing treatments and interventions, Africa Open Lab is contributing to a future where the health challenges that most impact youth are addressed by those who understand it best.
Etuk’s research seeks to improve treatment outcomes for children and adolescents battling drug-resistant TB in Nigeria. As someone deeply familiar with the country’s healthcare landscape, she stresses that innovative solutions must be driven by those who understand the unique challenges. Local scientists bring invaluable firsthand experience in this regard – not just with the diseases themselves, but also with the realities of implementing effective interventions.
Recognising the importance of supporting locally rooted expertise, Africa Open Lab provides not only funding but also mentorship and technical assistance. Participants receive support in developing study protocols, navigating grant opportunities, and analysing their research data. For Etuk, this backing has been instrumental in shaping her growth as a researcher. “My mentors have shown me that I can do great science locally that solves health problems at home while still achieving an impact internationally,” she says.
Beyond individual development, Africa Open Lab also fosters a collaborative network that connects grantees across multiple African countries. By sharing resources, exchanging ideas, and tackling common obstacles together, researchers can strengthen both their individual projects and the broader infectious disease research community on the continent.
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