Johannesburg, South Africa – The U.S. government hosted a group of adolescent girls and young women from the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa for the DREAMS program on August 24, 2023.
The DREAMS program is an initiative of the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) that aims to reduce HIV infections among adolescent girls and young women. The program provides these young women with entrepreneurial skills and financial literacy, and encourages them to stay in school.
The energy in the room was electrifying as the young women collectively embraced the power of education and collaboration. Witnessing the enthusiasm and determination of these future leaders to combat HIV-related challenges was truly uplifting.
“We are proud to host these incredible young women and to support their efforts to create a brighter future for themselves and their communities,” said U.S. Ambassador to South Africa, Nomatemba Ntlantla. “Together, we are fostering a generation that is equipped with the tools to make informed decisions and champion positive change.”
The DREAMS program is one of many PEPFAR initiatives that are working to improve the health and well-being of women and girls in South Africa. PEPFAR has invested over $8 billion in South Africa since 2004, and has helped to reduce HIV infections by 40% among women and girls.
