My lovely people, how are you? Do you miss me as much as I miss you?
We are at the end of the year, and what a year it has been! Compared to last year, we have accomplished so much. Around this time in 2024, I was not well as I had an unplanned surgery and ended the year in pain, in the hospital. Thank God, this year has been very productive.
I have collaborated with different organizations in Europe, and in Burundi I proudly celebrated World AIDS Day with my Gihanga community during the 6th edition of the Gihanga Talent Show. The winners of the sketch competition came from a small town called Cabiza, a place with a high concentration of people living with HIV and home to vulnerable groups such as sex workers and people who use drugs. Cabiza is also a diverse community with refugees from Congo, and people from Rwanda and Tanzania.
Together with Irene Kundubumwe from Inyambo Stars, we spent these last days of the year with this community to engage on HIV and prevention. Irene, an experienced HIV educator, explained about HIV and AIDS, how infection might occur, how to prevent it and how to seek assistance when needed. People of all ages – youth, adults and the elderly – were attending the sessions organised.
There were many interesting questions, showing how much this information was needed and appreciated. Community members also shared challenges they face, such as alcohol abuse – many people admitted that when they drink heavily, they lose control and do not think about HIV risks during sex. Also, Janviere, an elderly woman, recalled receiving HIV education when she was young, including how to use female condoms. She requested access to female condoms again to protect women and girls.
Together, we addressed myths about HIV and condom use, and Irene took time to answer all questions. As for me, I spoke about healthy living, growing up positively, and fighting HIV stigma through talent. A healthy person can make a great contribution to their family and country. I highlighted how stigma causes pain and isolation for people living with HIV. But if we work together and support each other, stigma will melt away. People will no longer fear HIV testing, they will start treatment, and they will live healthy, productive lives.
As Nelson Mandela once said: “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” We still dream of a world free of HIV stigma. To achieve this, we must educate everyone in our communities without leaving a single soul behind.
Cabiza TV Group made a great contribution through theatre and comedy before and after the program. I am proud they are part of our Inyambo Stars club culture. If anyone needs peer educators who use their talents through theatre and comedy, they are amazing entertainers – get in touch with them!
We would like to thank the Cabiza Chef de Colline (community administrative representative) for supporting this activity and the Cabiza community for responding positively to our program.
Stigma will end if we all work together. HIV and AIDS will end if stigma is destroyed.
Let’s kick HIV stigma out as we enter 2026!
Peace,
Eliane
HIV stigmafighter 