The current public health climate has been tough. Many people in the workforce are facing challenges such as a shortage of resources and shifting priorities. Community-based organisations, community health workers, youth program staff, youth ambassadors, and many other health professionals are working hard every day, but it can be challenging to maintain the energy and persistence needed to improve health outcomes for youth.
Join us in persisting! We’re excited to announce a new contest that puts (YOU)th at the front and center of public health. This is your chance to lead your own solutions and make a real impact.
As we approach World AIDS Day 2025 on December 1st, we are calling on all youth to help us find out how to support the workforce in persisting through hurdles in providing youth-friendly HIV self-testing and prevention services. Since 2018, the 4 Youth by Youth (4YBY) team has partnered with young people, communities, and health professionals to co-create HIV prevention services that work for you. Now, we want to see how we can persist in supporting the workforce to overcome the ongoing challenges in public health.
We want to hear from you! Share your creativity through writing, art, music, videos, storytelling, poetry, or mixed media. Show us how you think we can support the workforce to persist and overcome challenges.
Your ideas, energy, and persistence can shape the future of HIV prevention.
Join us and make it happen!
ThemeThe theme of this contest is Persistence.
The ChallengeWe invite you to contribute your ideas and creativity to the challenge: How might we persist in providing youth-friendly HIV self-testing and prevention services?
EligibilityWe welcome all forms of creative submissions:
After all submissions are received, a panel of expert judges from diverse and relevant backgrounds will review the entries based on the judging criteria outlined below.
Judging Criteria for the Contest:On December 1, 2025, the top ten entries with the highest cumulative scores will pitch their submissions to a panel of judges at the 4YBY Annual World AIDS Day Event. Notifications for the invitation to pitch will be sent via email by November 24, 2025. Using the same judging criteria, the entries will compete for awards, and the top three submissions will be announced at the event.
The World AIDS Day Event is not just a competition — it’s a celebration of resilience and our shared commitment in the fight against HIV. This event unites young leaders, innovators, and advocates to present ideas, exchange visions, and motivate one another. Together, we support, uplift, and empower one another toward an HIV-free future.
AwardsThe top three entries will receive:
All submissions will be evaluated anonymously. Please do not include any identifying information (like names or organisation names) in your entry.
Submissions that have been submitted elsewhere, previously published, or accepted for publication are not eligible (even if revised or excerpted). This includes any appearance in print or online — such as newspapers, newsletters, magazines, anthologies, books, websites, blogs, or social media.
By participating, you grant us permission to use parts or all of your submission in publications, promotional materials, social media, and other platforms related to the program.
Noncompliance will result in disqualification at any stage of the review process.
Submissions must have less than 10% artificial intelligence (AI) detection.
How to EnterIf you are interested, you can apply in one of the following ways by November 17, 2025, at 11:59 PM WAT.
Please note that each team only needs to complete one application form. For individual submissions, only one entry per person is allowed.
For More Inquiries: Email arinze@wustl.edu or text +234 909 049 6884.