Fatshimetrie, August 31, 2024 – A major event took place this Friday in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, as a new office of the Association for the Fight against HIV/TB, known as Jeunes Éclairés contre le SIDA (JECS), was officially inaugurated. The national coordinator of JECS, Paulette Sefu Lokonya, presided over the ceremony marking the opening of this new space, located within the National Multisectoral AIDS Control Program Building.
In her speech, Paulette Sefu Lokonya expressed her satisfaction at seeing this new premises become the official headquarters of the association after five years of commitment to the fight against HIV/TB. She stressed the importance of this new location which will allow JECS to strengthen its role as a facilitator within the community and to more effectively support vulnerable populations to promote their social integration.
As Ambassador of People Living with HIV in the DRC, Ms. Sefu thanked the National Secretary of the PNMLS for supporting JECS in this initiative, as well as their many partners, in particular MSF-B, for their continued support.
In addition, Paulette Sefu Lokonya, who also holds the position of Quaestor of the National Commission for Human Rights in the DRC, provided funds for the start-up of Income Generating Activities to selected members of Civil Society. This approach is part of JECS’s vision to promote an entrepreneurial culture and contribute to the emergence of a Congolese middle class.
She stressed the importance of supporting the private sector and local entrepreneurship to foster inclusive and resilient economic growth. JECS, an organization bringing together vulnerable girls and adolescents to fight against HIV/AIDS and other epidemiological diseases in the DRC, is thus positioning itself as a key player in promoting the health and well-being of the Congolese population.
In conclusion, the inauguration of this new office marks a significant step in the commitment of JECS and its partners to fight against HIV/TB in the DRC, while contributing to the socio-economic development of the country. This initiative demonstrates the determination and willingness of this association to make a real difference in the lives of vulnerable populations and to promote a healthier and more prosperous future for all.