Activities marking the launch of the HIV-Free Holidays 2026 campaign officially launched off this Tuesday in the North West Region under the leadership of the Regional Delegate of Public Health, Dr. Ambe Lionel, accompanied by the Regional Technical Group (RTG HIV) Coordinator, Dr. Yem Engelbert, alongside health officials and partners.
As part of the launch, 61 young peer educators began an intensive training session at the conference hall of the North West Regional Delegation of Public Health. They will be equipped with knowledge and skills on HIV prevention, testing, stigma reduction, and available HIV care and treatment services. They will then conduct community outreach and awareness activities targeting adolescents and young people across the region.
In his address, Dr. Ambe Lionel commended the commitment of the young participants and urged them to become true ambassadors in the fight against HIV/AIDS. He noted that the North West Region remains the most affected region in Cameroon, with an HIV prevalence of over 5%, according to the latest estimates, underscoring the need to strengthen prevention efforts, particularly among young people.
The HIV-Free Holidays campaign provides an important platform to promote responsible behavior, encourage voluntary HIV testing, improve access to HIV prevention and treatment services, and contribute to reducing new HIV infections in the region. Together, we can end HIV. Protect your health, protect your future.
JNK/Raoul Saho
