By Doh James Sonkey
The 23rd edition of AIDS Free Holidays has kicked off in Yaoundé with peer educators urged to make sure there are “zero new infections among youth”. The sensitisation campaign was co-launched last July 23, 2025 at the Melen Head Office of the Pan African None Governmental Organisation, African Synergy against AIDS and Suffering in Yaoundé, by Youth Affairs and Civic Education Minister, Mounouna Foutsou and Public Health Minister, Dr Manaouda Malachie.
The Public Health boss saluted peer educators for accepting to be part of this campaign instead of idling at home, and laid special emphasis on how to end mother-to-child transmission.
Dr Manaouda Malachie engaged the young people to go as far as what was done last year.
He encouraged peer educators to make sure they reach out to at least 15000 people to find out their HIV and hepatitis B status, to make sure at least 95% of people who tested positive for HIV receive treatment as well as create and distribute digital awareness visuals on social media.
Speaking earlier, the Youth Affairs and Civic Education Minister, Mounouna Foutsou said, “despite reduction in the prevalence rate of AIDS in Cameroon, the situation remains preoccupying among young people due to the increasing number of infections notably among young girls.’’
He rejoiced that the theme of this 23rd edition is in line with the present context characterised by the persistence of civil acts in different public spaces of the society.
The Youth Affairs and Civic Education boss saluted the launch because it takes place at an ideal moment, holidays, which makes more young people vulnerable to HIV infections etc.
AIDS-Free Holidays is an awareness campaign for young people by young people during the school and university holidays, created by Cameroon’s first lady, Chantal Biya in 2003.