The United Nations Resident Coordinator, Beatrice Mutali, has unveiled Chipolopolo striker Rachael Kundananji as the UNAIDS Ambassador for the Education Plus Initiative for the period 2024 to 2026.

Speaking during the unveiling ceremony,  Ms. Mutali said the UN chose Kundananji because of her achievements and inspiring story, which demonstrate that it is possible for girls and young women to succeed.

Ms. Muntali stated that the UN has engaged Kundananji to promote and advocate for reproductive health services, campaign against child marriage and teenage pregnancy, and combat sexual and gender-based violence among adolescents, among other objectives.

“The Education Plus Initiative seeks to ensure that adolescent girls and young women, in particular, complete quality secondary education, have universal access to comprehensive sexuality education, and fulfill their sexual and reproductive health and rights,” she said.

Ms. Mutali also commended the Zambian Government for its investment in free quality education, the enactment of the Child Marriage Prohibition Act, and the institutionalisation of the life skills and health education policy.

She added that these strategic initiatives promote gender equality, uphold the rights of adolescent girls and young women, and empower young people to realize their full potential, in line with the Education Plus Initiative.

Meanwhile, Rachael Kundananji expressed her gratitude to the United Nations for appointing her as the UNAIDS Ambassador for the Education Plus Initiative and pledged to serve her role diligently.

UNAIDS Country Director, Isaac Ahimessah stated that his organization will continue to use education and life skills training to reduce the high rate of HIV among adolescents, noting that these efforts help keep young people engaged and informed.