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Hello friends and family,
I’m raising funds for a truly inspiring young leader: Lasarus Ndiilenga, a remarkable HIV advocate and educator, whom I met several years ago at a global HIV conference in Amsterdam and saw again just last month in Namibia. He’s brilliant, trustworthy, driven, and doing incredible work to teach about U=U and uplift his community.
On June 9th, Lasarus and a small group of youth advocates will ride 720 km across Namibia—from Windhoek to Swakopmund and back—on solar-powered e-bikes to dismantle HIV stigma, demand access to long-acting HIV treatment and prevention, and to spotlight the link between HIV justice and climate justice.
✊ Why They're Riding
Namibia’s young people living with HIV are facing barriers to leading full lives, such as HIV stigma and other circumstances that make life with HIV and adherence to daily medication a challenge.
They’re riding to say: Enough.
Every young person deserves dignity, choices in care, and a real chance to thrive.
They’re also riding for the planet. With zero-emission bikes and school visits along the way, they’re weaving together two critical fights—HIV equity and climate justice—because the future must be healthy, just, and green.
The Goal: $2,000
This will fund Leg 1 of a 3-part, youth-led national campaign for access and equity.
Ride Details:
- 5 youth riders
- 720 km (June 9–22, 2025)
- Accommodations, meals, and outreach events
- Safer sex kits, U=U education, school visits
- U=U candlelight memorial on the beach in Swakopmund
We’ve already raised $750 (from Prevention Access Campaign and me) toward the goal of $2,000. Just $1,250 to go!
What Your Support Funds
Your donation will help cover:
✅ Solar-powered e-bike rentals
✅ Meals, fuel, and lodging for youth riders
✅ HIV prevention and sexual health toolkits
✅ School and community engagement events
✅ Media to share their impact globally
“We’re not just riding bikes—we’re riding for access, equity, and the right to thrive.”
— Lasarus Ndiilenga, Founder, VIALWA Foundation
Every Dollar Makes a Difference
$25 = a toolkit for youth outreach
$50 = one day of meals and lodging for a rider
$100 = helps rent a solar-powered e-bike
$500 = funds a full day of the ride and community outreach
❤️ Join Us
Your support fuels a youth-powered movement for HIV justice, climate action, and dignity for all.
Donate now.
Share widely.
Ride with them—in spirit.
Thank you so much!
— Bruce
PS (Check out this authentic and moving U=U video from the Namibia Ministry of Health to support adolescents living with HIV!)