As an inaugural member of the Africa REACH Leadership Council, convened and chaired by H.E. Monica Geingos, and dedicated to advancing the health and wellbeing of children, adolescents, and young people in the fight against HIV/AIDS, I am honoured to reflect on our journey as we mark the one-year anniversary of our African-led, African-focused efforts to fulfil the promise of an AIDS-free generation in Africa. This milestone is a testament to our collective dedication, resilience, and unwavering commitment to health for all.

From the formal launch at the African Union Heads of States Summit and the Organisation of African First Ladies for Development General Assembly in Addis Ababa in February 2023, Africa REACH, guided by our Strategic Plan 2023-2025, has forged formidable partnerships within the HIV response community with allies such as the African Union Commission, AIDS Watch Africa, Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, ViiV Healthcare, and Desmond Tutu Health Foundation, to actively engage in advocacy at both national and continental levels, positioning Africa REACH as a catalyst for change, from funding community-led initiatives across Africa to initiating policy change at the highest levels.

As we review the past twelve months, we recognise that our mission demands continuous innovation and a relentless pursuit of progress to end AIDS in children and young people in Africa by 2025, and as we aim to achieve the promises of the Abuja Declaration, through ensuring the pledge that each African nation allocates 15% of their annual budgets to the health sector.