When Jerop Limo was five years old, her mother was subjected to violence because of her HIV status.
Her younger sister also passed away because of HIV a year later.
At 10, she found out about her status, triggering fears of the nasty things her mum went through.
This was a lot to deal with, and Limo made it her business that no one with HIV should live in fear because of their status.
"No young person living with HIV needs to feel limited and everyone can live a full, fulfilling life."
As the Executive Director of the Ambassador for Youth and Adolescent Reproductive Health Programme (AYARHEP), Limo spearheads initiatives that empower young people to lead the HIV response and advocate for inclusive policies.
While health facilities provide medicines, screening and diagnostics, her work addresses the barriers that often determine whether treatment succeeds, including mental health, stigma, poverty, gender-based violence, school fees and family support.
Limo has been advocating to advance the health and well-being of children and young people living with the condition, including calling for better care. She also pushes for more peer educators for improved navigation of the journey.
According to WHO, there are more than 1.5 million children under 14 living with HIV.
Limo is driven by her strong belief that young people can design, lead, and shape a future where no young person living with the condition feels limited by their status.
Instead, they can live lives free from stigma and discrimination and participate meaningfully in their communities for better health for all.
“No young person living with HIV needs to feel limited and everyone can live a full, fulfilling life,” she says.
“HIV diagnosis does not mean the end of dreams. They can pursue careers, get married, have children and live full, productive lives.”
–Lynet Igadwah