Dee Mphafi Tanka
Born in Lesotho, Dee was just 18 years old when she discovered that she was living with HIV. After learning her new diagnosis, she encountered the stigma that develops in unison with reactive test results. At her first visit to the doctor’s office after learning of her new health status the doctor said to her, “you girls do not use condoms these days. That’s why you are going to get AIDS at a very young age. You are going to die.” Hearing these words from a care provider could have completely discouraged Dee, but it only motivated her to ensure other young people are empowered to stand against all forms of stigma.
Dee soon found support from other young people living with HIV in an EGPAF support group, there she connected with the group members and other young people so well she eventually became a peer counselor. Dee encourages other young people to take charge of their health as the lead advocate in Lesotho for EGPAF’s internal youth Committee of African Youth Advisers (CAYA). Dee has lectured and educated global HIV and public health stakeholder about the challenges that young women in Lesotho and other countries face while they are trying to prevent contracting HIV, remain in treatment and receive care for their HIV diagnosis, or ensure that they are able to give birth to an HIV-negative baby.
Dee encourages other young people to take charge of their health, and has educated stakeholders globally about the challenges that young women face.
As an EGPAF Senior Youth Ambassador sharing her story and experiences as a young woman living with HIV, she has traveled the world and advocated for other young women and girls who are living with or more likely to acquire HIV. As an advocate for youth, adolescent girls and young women Dee has represented the Foundation and spoken at the International AIDS Society, United Nations General Assembly, Women Deliver 2019 and other global audiences. In recognition of her extensive commitment to bringing forth and AIDS-free generation EGPAF recognized Dee’s tremendous efforts by presenting her with the Frontline Hero award during Time for Heroes 2021.
As a mother to a beautiful baby-girl born HIV-negative she tirelessly advocates for mothers around the world who live with HIV because, as Dee says, “they are at the forefront of an AIDS-free generation.”
“I’m going to empower more people, especially young women. I want to see more young women be brave and able to stand for themselves and able to take care of their health.” Dee Mphafi Tanka
