READYCast: Ready Movement Podcast

This powerful episode, "Breaking the Silence: Young, HIV-Positive & Unstoppable," features a raw and honest discussion with young people, including Purity, who share their experiences living with HIV. The conversation delves into the emotional journey of diagnosis, the struggles with stigma, discrimination from both community and family, and the mental health challenges, such as depression, that can accompany it. Crucially, the guests advocate for U=U (Undetectable = Untransmittable) and discuss life-saving prevention methods like PEP and PrEP, ultimately delivering a message of hope: with proper treatment and self-care, an HIV diagnosis does not define you, and you can live a full, healthy life.

In this episode of The READY CAST, we explore the growing issue of drug and substance abuse among young people. Join us as youth advocates and experts unpack its impact on mental health, treatment adherence, and overall well-being — and share ways communities can support young people to live healthy, empowered lives.

Welcome to another episode of our podcast. Today we will talk about a topic increasingly present in the lives of adolescents and young people in Mozambique: the role of new technologies in promoting sexual and reproductive health.We live in a time when social networks, digital platforms and even mobile applications have become part of our daily lives. But are we taking advantage of all this potential to inform, engage and transform behaviors around sexual and reproductive health?To help us reflect on these issues, we have with us Miguel and Margarida, two special guests who will share their experiences, perspectives and also some inspiring examples.

"Stigma Kills in Silence – Youth, Discrimination and HIV" shares real stories and perspectives from young people in Mozambique, shedding light on how stigma impacts their lives and the fight against HIV.

In this episode, a young woman shares her personal journey of living with HIV, including the challenges she has faced and how she has worked to overcome stigma. She also speaks about the positive impact of the READY project in helping her build confidence and find community support.

This podcast features four young people currently studying in tertiary institutions. They share candid reflections on what they wish they had known earlier about HIV. The discussion touches on common misconceptions, the importance of early and accurate information, and the role of youth-friendly services in supporting young people to make informed decisions about their health.

In this Siswati episode, Simphiwe Vilane and Lunga Vilakati open up about their journey as young people living with HIV. They share their honest experiences of facing unemployment, searching for opportunities, and how peer support has helped them stay hopeful and motivated as they build their future beyond HIV.

In this Siswati episode, we hear from Ncamiso Makhanya, Sibusiso Ngubani and Mthobisi Mdluli as they share their inspiring journeys as young people living with HIV (YPLHIV). From being teen club beneficiaries to pursuing higher education and finding employment, they reflect on the challenges, lessons, and hopes that have shaped their path beyond HIV.

Zero Discrimination Day is observed each year on 1 March. To commemorate ZDD, Y+ Global, in collaboration with READY and the National Emergency Response against HIV/AIDS (NERCHA), examined the Eswatini Stigma Index 2023 from the youth's perspective. The findings reveal that while Eswatini has made progress in combating stigma—dropping from 10% in 2019 to 9% in 2023—this is not a cause for celebration. This episode with the READY Focal Point highlighted various forms of stigma affecting young people, notably the prevalence of self-stigma, a non-supportive environment for young people living with HIV to disclose their status, and a lack of safe spaces for young adults (ages 20 to 24) to receive ongoing support. They discussed how SNYP+ fosters safe spaces and empowers young advocates to assist their peers at the grassroots level alongside advocacy initiatives led by youth. Despite the progress made in tackling stigma, the analysis indicates that young people still face a significant stigma rate of 45%, higher than that of adults, underscoring the need for increased support for youth at both facility and community levels.

READY and ACTIVE: Country Spotlight dives into how READY beneficiaries and partners are driving impactful projects at the country level. This episode highlights their updates, progress, and innovative interventions, offering a platform to showcase their work and address emerging issues in their communities. Tune in to hear inspiring stories and insights that reflect the heart of the READY Movement's mission to create meaningful change.

The Impact of Youth-led Organisations celebrates the transformative power of youth-led networks in driving change and creating opportunities for young people. This episode shares insights into the journey of a youth-led organization, exploring where it started, its evolution through the READY+ program, and the key achievements driven by capacity-building efforts. By showcasing success stories and impactful outcomes, the episode underscores the vital role of supporting youth-led networks in shaping a brighter, more inclusive future.

The Road to 2030: Healthcare Providers Leading the Fight Against Pediatric AIDS explores the pivotal role of healthcare providers in preventing, treating, and caring for young people affected by HIV. This episode delves into the Global Alliance's ambitious mission to end AIDS in children by 2030, highlighting the systemic changes and support required to empower providers in this fight. It also discusses how youth-led organizations can drive progress in their countries and the steps needed to close gaps in preventing mother-to-child transmission. Join us as we honor the tireless efforts of healthcare providers and envision a future free of pediatric AIDS.

WeAreREADY! Ready to support communities of young people with the SRHR information they need. READY to advocate for change in policies and programmes that do not involve young people. Let’s learn about the READY+ advocacy work being led by country networks of YPLHIV.

In this episode of our podcast, we delve into the inspiring journey of the READY Movement, reflecting on the significant milestones and experiences that have shaped its impact. The READY Movement, a youth-led initiative, empowers adolescents and young people living with or affected by HIV across sub-Saharan Africa. Since its inception in 2016, READY has reached over 36,000 young people, promoting resilience and empowerment through comprehensive sexual and reproductive health and rights (SHR) education and advocacy. Join us as we discuss the successes of the READY + program, which supports young people in countries like eSwatini, Mozambique, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe. We highlight the roles of Community Adolescent Treatment Supporters (CATS) and their pivotal contributions in providing peer support and fostering adherence to HIV treatment. Our conversation also touches on the broader goals of the READY Movement, including mental health support and leadership training, all aimed at creating a robust and inclusive environment for youth advocacy. Tune in to hear from key voices within the READY Movement and learn about the strategies and future directions that continue to drive this dynamic initiative forward. For more information about the READY Movement and its programs, visit the READY Movement and Frontline AIDS website

We are ready to talk about one of the most important topics for young people living with HIV: keeping a good adherence to ARVs.  In this episode, we joined two HIV advocates and health professionals to discuss insights about adherence during the pandemic and key recommendations for young people living with HIV struggling to keep with their treatment.