Ibanomonde Ngema Takes Over Charlize Theron’s Instagram on World AIDS Day

On World AIDS Day, December 1, 2024, 21-year-old South African HIV activist Ibanomonde Ngema will take over Charlize Theron’s Instagram account to raise awareness about the experiences of young people living with HIV. Ngema, who was born with HIV, aims to dispel myths and reduce stigma associated with the virus. Theron, a UN Messenger of Peace, emphasizes the need to dismantle stigma and discrimination to effectively combat AIDS, noting that women and girls accounted for 62% of new HIV infections in sub-Saharan Africa last year. Through her Charlize Theron Africa Outreach Project, Theron supports community organizations tackling health and gender inequalities in Southern Africa. The initiative coincides with a UNAIDS report that highlights the impact of rights violations on the vulnerability of women and girls to HIV. Both Ngema and Theron advocate for systemic change to protect those living with HIV.