The HIV Quilt was created under the leadership of COMPASS Tanzania with the Policy and Legislation TWG and Consolation East Africa (CEA) led its making with the support of other Kenyan Organizations viz Network of Elderly People Living with HIV (NETEL), Forum for Women, the KP-Consortium, and Positive Living. AVAC provided the technical and logistical support. This Quilt was a centerpiece of the Quilt Action Day in Washington, DC, on 5 September 2025 and other related actions during the United States Conference on HIV and AIDS (USCHA) from 2nd to 5th September.
The Quilt featured 32 logos from CEA, COMPASS organizations and civil society groups across Africa, including Kenya, South Africa, Eswatini, Lesotho, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Tanzania, Uganda, Cte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Liberia, Rwanda, and Nigeria, among others. This diversity of representation symbolized the broad continental support behind the COMPASS movement and its advocacy work.
The Quilt carried a clear message:
“Thanks for Global Fund and PEPFAR Solidarity; Intergenerational Life-Saving Programs. ” It was a bold call for continued global funding solidarity to sustain momentum in ending HIV and AIDS. Kenyan health artist Caleb Mwanja worked with communities affected by HIV to design powerful illustrations. These depicted both the horrific history of HIV/AIDS in Africa and a chilling vision of the future, represented by coffins, should international solidarity and funding be withdrawn. During the Quilt Action event on 5th September, the African COMPASS Quilt became the focal point, lifted high as key speeches were delivered.
AVAC’s John Meade, delivering the central address, underscored the Quilt’s message:
“Global solidarity is essential to end HIV and AIDS. ” He emphasized the warnings inscribed on the Quilt: “Funding Cuts Kill, ” citing UNAIDS estimates that Africa could face 11 million new infections and the loss of 3 million lives by 2030 if funding is reduced. Global Level Advocacy By creating this Quilt, the COMPASS Coalition, CEA on behalf of Africa expressed gratitude for the solidarity that has saved lives: children now being born HIV-free, living into adulthood and old age, and health systems that have been strengthened through international partnership. But it warned that without sustained support, Africa risks sliding back into a dark and devastating future. What is needed is a well-plan
