Thokozani Jane Kasiya is the HIV and AIDS Programs Coordinator at the Forum for AIDS Counseling and Training (FACT) in Malawi. With a strong foundation in HIV and AIDS management and education, Thokozani has effectively combined her skills to enhance awareness and prevention programs. In her role as the HIV and AIDS Programs lead at FACT, Thokozani has initiated programs aimed at ending stigma and discrimination among young people living with HIV. One such initiative is “Comfort Corner,” a safe space providing a youth-friendly environment for young people living with HIV to engage with one another and form a community. Comfort Corner also promotes ART adherence among young people living with HIV in line with the U=U (Undetectable = Untransmittable) campaign.

In 2023, Thokozani was selected to present an abstract at the ICASA conference in Zimbabwe, showcasing her expertise and commitment to the eventual eradication of HIV and AIDS. Due to her impactful work in the HIV and AIDS sector, especially among youth, Thokozani was chosen as a fellow for the Changemakers Program, where she emerged as the top fellow among her peers. This recognition led to her flying to the capital city, Lilongwe, to share with other stakeholders the importance of engaging youth in programs directed towards them. Additionally, Thokozani was selected for the Young Women in Leadership Program, demonstrating her dedication to empowering young women to become influential changemakers in their society.