At only 11 years old Nkosi Johnson delivered a self written speech in front of thousands of delegates and millions of TV viewers about his experiences living with HIV and issues around AIDS in South Africa that is as relevant today as it was then. He spoke about a disease that was killing him, and that has killed millions more before and since, he spoke out at a time that his own government was denying AIDS even existed. Nkosi showed that youth can bring about incredible change because of him, companies, individuals and even governments have opened their hearts and their pockets to People With Aids (PWAs) in South Africa, where the rate of HIV infection has reached pandemic proportions, with frightening speed.
Nkosi died almost exactly 1 year after making this speech still fighting to raise awareness and to erase the stigma around HIV/AIDS that millions endure daily...he died for our country...he died a hero...and we failed him.
Nkosi died almost exactly 1 year after making this speech still fighting to raise awareness and to erase the stigma around HIV/AIDS that millions endure daily...he died for our country...he died a hero...and we failed him.
I say this because 13 years later much of what he was fighting against is still prevalent in South Africa and around the world.
Since then we have seen incredible advances and improvements in many aspects such as
Now combine that with spread of social networks, and internet connectivity which provides more people with access to information and we finally have the chance to see a AIDS free generation. Yet despite having every advantage that Nkosi was never given we still have a massive problem...and the problem is us... the youth... be honest... had you even heard of Nkosi Johnson before this?
I cannot even begin to explain how frustratingly difficult it is proving to be just to get my own peer group to get an HIV test! We recently started a campaign where people have a photo taken of themselves getting tested which they then promote on their social networks whilst encouraging others to do the same. It only takes 30 min out of your day, its more often than not free, its for your own health, its painless, there is accessible treatment should you be HIV+ , we aren't asking for you to share your results, that is still a private matter , its simply about knowing your status and encouraging people to know theirs... Sounds simple right? Apparently not... some of the responses to this idea from people have been to put it mildly...disgusting! But none the less we shall continue in our endeavours
So as always... I encourage you to participate in #ProjectZeroHIV (dont forget the hashtag) and bring your friends along...and chose to become part of generation zero
And please take the time to read Nkosi's incredible speech.
Since then we have seen incredible advances and improvements in many aspects such as
- Incredible advances in Prevention of Mother To Child Transmission (PMTCT) drastically reducing the number of children infected at birth through improved medications and accessibility. PEPFAR the largest funder of AIDS programmes in the world announced that in June the 1 millionth baby was be born HIV free due to PEPFAR-supported prevention programmes. To save any life is a remarkable feat, but to spare a child from HIV is truly extraordinary
- Government finally breaking their AIDS denialsm and providing testing, treatment and care in SA
- Single Dose (1 pill) a day antitretroviral treatments available
- new medication leading to people infected with HIV being able to lead much longer , higher quality lives
- Improved testing capabilities
- Greater understanding of disease
- Possible creation of a vaccine in the future
Now combine that with spread of social networks, and internet connectivity which provides more people with access to information and we finally have the chance to see a AIDS free generation. Yet despite having every advantage that Nkosi was never given we still have a massive problem...and the problem is us... the youth... be honest... had you even heard of Nkosi Johnson before this?
I cannot even begin to explain how frustratingly difficult it is proving to be just to get my own peer group to get an HIV test! We recently started a campaign where people have a photo taken of themselves getting tested which they then promote on their social networks whilst encouraging others to do the same. It only takes 30 min out of your day, its more often than not free, its for your own health, its painless, there is accessible treatment should you be HIV+ , we aren't asking for you to share your results, that is still a private matter , its simply about knowing your status and encouraging people to know theirs... Sounds simple right? Apparently not... some of the responses to this idea from people have been to put it mildly...disgusting! But none the less we shall continue in our endeavours
So as always... I encourage you to participate in #ProjectZeroHIV (dont forget the hashtag) and bring your friends along...and chose to become part of generation zero
And please take the time to read Nkosi's incredible speech.
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