Break the circle of debt, injustice— AHF Africa tells governments

By Anan Geolengs

AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) Africa, has urged governments across Africa to break the cycle of debt injustice that continues to divert critical resources away from the very investments needed to help Africa’s children and youth thrive.

AHF made the call in a statement to mark the Day of the African Child.

“As the world’s youngest continent, Africa’s greatest asset is its young people. But their aspirations for healthy, educated, and prosperous futures cannot be realized when nations are forced to prioritize debt payments over investments in healthcare, education, and social protection.

“From HIV prevention and youth-friendly health services to quality education, gender equality, protection from violence, and opportunities for economic empowerment, young people’s needs are interconnected and require sustained public investment.

“Yet an unjust global debt system continues to limit many governments’ ability to adequately fund the services and opportunities that enable young people to reach their full potential.

“Through AHF’s Freedom from Debt campaign, the organization calls for urgent reforms that place people before profit and allow countries to invest in their greatest resource—their youth.”

The statement said through initiatives including Girls Act, Boys2Men, and other youth-focused programs, AHF works alongside young people to strengthen leadership, promote health literacy, advance sexual and reproductive health and rights, and create safe spaces where young people can advocate for themselves and their communities. “A future free from unsustainable debt is one where more young people can remain in school, access quality healthcare, pursue their ambitions, and contribute to stronger, healthier, and more prosperous societies.”

The event observed annually on June 16, the Day of the African Childcommemorates the 1976 Soweto Uprising, when South African students were met with violence while protesting inequalities in the apartheid education system and demanding their right to quality education.