By Mercy Dalizu

Many young people experience poverty, abuse, learning difficulties, family breakdown, stigma and discrimination. You deserve to live in a society free of stigma and discrimination. 

They have access to all the support and resources they need to live fully. New HIV infections in Kenya occur mainly among young people aged 15 to 24 years. 

Resilience shapes the experiences of adolescents living with HIV, allowing them to cope with diagnosis, feel hopeful about the future, and maintain meaningful relationships. 

Through social support, young people living with HIV are able to maintain positive relationships with those around them and communicate their HIV status to friends and family as well as health care providers. This helps them get advice to improve their lives.

Education can help protect young people from HIV infection. Children and teenagers who stay in school and receive an education are more likely to be aware of risks and practice safer sex. 

Education can also help reduce stigma and discrimination against HIV-positive young people, which leads them to drop out of school.

This includes eating healthy foods to give your body the energy it needs to fight HIV and other infections. Regular apologies and a balanced diet contribute to a healthy lifestyle.

Young people should be encouraged to stand up for people living with HIV. This can be done through organizations and support groups.

This encourages adolescents living with HIV to access services and counseling when needed.

Mercy Dalizu, Youth Advocate at NAYA Kenya