The inaugural event was celebrated with the theme ‘It stops with us’, which was directed towards the youth, to encourage them to wage war against the HIV/AIDS pandemic, and prevent it from affecting the future generation.

The event was graced by the deputy Mayor of the Municipal Council of Mbabane, directors, and senior management of the city council.

Over 180 students representing different clubs and associations from the participating institutions attended the event. Each institution was given an opportunity to share their pledges and how they are contributing towards the fight against HIV/AIDS to achieve ‘zero discrimination and zero new infections’.

The event highlighted the importance of partnerships in the fight against HIV/AIDS. With the HIV/AIDS epidemic having hit the country hard, the event came at a time when the nation needs to work in tandem, with transparency and education regarding the disease, to reduce or even eliminate stigma and new infections.