The Uganda Network of Young People Living with HIV/AIDS (UNYPA) has, for more than two decades, stood at the forefront of youth-led advocacy, resilience, and action. What began as a small network of young people in 2003 is determined to fight stigma and speak up for their rights has grown into a national movement amplifying the voices of young people living with HIV across Uganda and beyond.

Through its innovative peer-to-peer approaches, national campaigns, policy influence, and leadership development, UNYPA has transformed the lives of thousands. It has become a safe space, a platform for truth, and a force for change—especially for adolescent girls and young women, key populations, and young people most affected by HIV.

UNYPA has defied countless odds—from stigma and discrimination to social and policy barriers—and has proved time and again that young people living with HIV are not just recipients of aid but leaders, innovators, and changemakers. It has influenced national policies, shaped donor conversations, and mentored a new generation of advocates through its Y+ Summit, Y+ Beauty Pageant, and various community-led programs.

However, the tides have shifted.

As global funding priorities move away from community-led rights work and HIV-focused youth programming, UNYPA now faces an existential threat. In early 2025, the organization experienced one of the most devastating setbacks in its history—a major funding cut that forced UNYPA to scale down key operations, community outreach programs were drastically reduced. Critical safe spaces and mentorship efforts were either paused or halted. The ripple effects have been deeply felt across the country.

With fewer resources, many young people living with HIV have been left with limited access to lifesaving information, services, and psychosocial support. Progress made in addressing stigma, adherence, and policy engagement is now at risk of unravelling and the silence that UNYPA once shattered threatens to creep back in.

But like always—UNYPA is not backing down.

The organization is reflecting, recalibrating, and reimagining a sustainable path forward. UNYPA is exploring local fundraising efforts, impact-driven partnerships, and income-generating initiatives. It is also actively seeking technical and financial support to conduct a robust organizational sustainability strategy that will ensure it not only survives but thrives in the face of adversity.

UNYPA has the experience. It has the trust of the communities it serves. Most importantly, it has the passion and power of young people who understand what it means to live with, and rise above, HIV.

This moment is not just about UNYPA. It is about the future of meaningful youth leadership in the HIV response. It is about ensuring that the progress made over decades isn’t erased by silence and neglect.

With solidarity and support, UNYPA will continue to defy the odds—because the lives, dignity, and rights of young people living with HIV are non-negotiable.

Head to their website to see what they do and how you can help!