February 2021

Teen Magazine Fights Stigma in Southwest Uganda

Ismael Harerimana Shema, 26, proudly holds up the first edition of Kigezi Teens, a new magazine aimed at young people living in his community in southwest Uganda. Ismael is the publisher, along with a team of comrades—including his best friend, Peter Ngambenawe, 22.

The content reflects the passions of adolescence: latest clothing styles, favorite radio stations, top pop songs—as well as local sports, history, politics, and more—all geared to the teen reader. Among the colorful photos and top ten lists, readers also find articles about HIV risk-reduction and anti-stigma messages.

“I do not talk only on HIV, but I looked around other things: fashion, entertainment, and other topics in Kigezi that would make teenagers interested in the magazine,” says Ismail, who is living with HIV and knows firsthand about the stigma around HIV that can be especially isolating for young people.

A reader flipping through the colorful pages will find a testimony by Peter, who shares his story of being born with HIV and then facing tuberculosis, poverty, and stigma. Peter explains that he overcame his challenges by accessing HIV treatment, finding food and work, engaging with other young people like himself, and ultimately thriving. Peter shares that he was even a runner-up as Uganda’s Mr. Y+ in a national beauty pageant for people living with HIV.

Peter’s honest and vulnerable narrative is inspiring, but the magazine does not end with the story. Information on HIV transmission and treatment follows, with details about how to access testing and treatment services. The magazine also lists resources for hungry youth and an admonition about the importance of mental health.

Peter reads his article in the first edition of Kigezi Teens.

Ismail feels fortunate that he was connected to a peer support group sponsored by the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation (EGPAF) when he was growing up. There, he met Peter and other young people living with HIV, and they developed strong friendships and gained self-confidence. Ismail and Peter are committed to giving back to the health system that saved their lives, and now work at the Kabale Regional Referral Hospital to support other young people.

“After I had read an EGPAF report that said there was a high number of young people getting HIV, it came to mind that if I can start with teenagers and get them risk-reduction messages through a magazine, it can work.”

Ismail, like his many of his peers, believes that an AIDS-free generation is possible, but knows that in order to achieve such an enormous goal, all areas of society must be engaged. Along with educating young people about how to prevent the transmission of HIV, Ismail hopes that Kigezi Teens will also reduce stigma toward young people living with HIV—on the pages, their peers will see that they are living full and healthy lives.

“My intention is to help people see HIV as any other disease that we have, that it does not define you,” Ismail says.

There have been tremendous strides in supporting adolescents living with HIV in Uganda. When a young person is diagnosed, they are immediately connected to high-quality healthcare and a peer support counselor or group that helps them find community, hope, and HIV education.

Eddie Nahwera with the first edition of Kigezi Teens.

While these resources are incredibly valuable, without resources that also target the general public, Uganda will struggle to reach their goal of an AIDS-free generation by 2030. Low public understanding of HIV results in heightened stigma, which in turn makes adherence and life in general more difficult for those living with HIV, and disincentivizes young people from getting tested in the first place.

Kigezi Teens is an effort to address this gap in HIV education and awareness and improve the lives of young people in Kigezi both living with and without HIV by reducing stigma and HIV transmission rates.

The magazine also is the first to target young people throughout the region, building a sense of belonging across towns and communities within the historic Kigezi District, a region in southwest Uganda near the Rwanda border.

Kigezi Teens has been promoted on local radio stations and features contributions from reporters, writers, and photographers across Kigezi. The magazine is available for purchase in local shops for about $3. They are jumping off the shelves.

“Teenagers are excited,” Ismail says. “It is the talk of the town!”

In the coming editions, Ismail hopes to continue including messages around HIV risk reduction, but also incorporate testimonies, education, and resources for other sensitive health topics, such as addiction and sexual and reproductive health.

“Meaningfully engaging young people is the first step to the realization of our rights and effort to change our society,” says Ismail.

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