April 10th was ‘National Youth HIV & AIDS Awareness Day’, which takes place every year on the same date to educate the public about the impact of HIV and AIDS on young people and to highlight the work young people are doing to respond to the epidemic. The theme of this year is ‘Engaging Youth Voices in the Response to HIV & AIDS’. National Youth HIV & AIDS Awareness Day (NYHAAD) tries to acknowledge and address the needs of young people in the HIV and AIDS response. On this day, young activists in high schools and at colleges and universities are using this day to organize and educate about HIV and AIDS. They will promote HIV testing, fight stigma, and start the necessary conversations to realize an AIDS-free generation.

It’s important that organizations like Designers against Aids and NYHAAD continue the fight against HIV and AIDS. We must continue to invest in scientific advancements like a vaccine and a cure, without forgetting the importance of prevention strategies and ensuring equal access to information and healthcare for everyone. And most importantly, we must invest in young people. NYHAAD sees these young people not only as partners, but also as leaders that can truly turn the tide of the HIV and AIDS epidemic. Because only by fully investing in young people’s health and education, we can reach an AIDS-free generation.

The NYHAAD site offered ideas and resources to support. One of these things was taking a selfie with a personal message about HIV and AIDS. Designers against Aids supports NYHAAD and that’s why we took a selfie. Check it out and also support NYHAAD!

April 9 was the final day to upload your NYHAAD selfie with #NYHAAD and #designersagainstaids for this year, but don't forget: every day should be National Youth HIV & AIDS Awareness Day!

 SAY CHEESE & KEEP SAFE!