The award winning Penta Young Reporters project is a model developed and piloted by Penta in 2022-23. It aims to democratise science and support better understanding of research in the communities most impacted by paediatric and adolescent infectious disease studies.
Each young reporter is recruited due of their passion for sharing research with their peers and the community, and their lived experiences. All young reporters join as adolescents (between 18 and 25 years of age) and are trained and supported by Penta staff and our partners in health research to understand the science behind research, learn how to present research findings in a clear and understandable way and to safely post and engage with social media in a supported environment.
View the Penta Young Reporters Portfolio
Follow the young reporters on Instagram and TikTok
Why we set up this project
Children and young people are often left behind in the sharing of scientific information and key scientific developments. The events where cutting-edge research is discussed and presented are not accessible to young people, so they are not there to be part of the discussion and dissemination
Young people spend an average of 3 hours a day on social media and often use it to find information. The quality and accuracy of what they find will vary. To address the gap in scientifically correct, youth-friendly, research information being shared by and with young people, we are upskilling young people from different countries and continents to use the social media channels that are most popular in their countries, to share key health messages and insights.
We have worked in close collaboration with global healthcare communications consultancy 90ten from the beginning of the project and continue to do so today. Together, we supported the development and reach of the first two pilot editions, and we are now running together the third edition. Watch this space for more updates!
Meet the 2026 Young Reporters
Shanurah, 20, Uganda
Shanurah Jimbo is a youth advocate from Kampala and the national representative for young people living with HIV (Miss Y+). A clinical medicine student and National SRHR Girl Champion 2024, she has experience in HIV research advocacy, community engagement, and public health. Through media, digital storytelling, and peer support, she works to reduce stigma, promote accessible HIV research, and empower young people to make informed health decisions.
Arlene, 20, UK
Arlene is a Health and Medical Sciences student at the University of Warwick with a strong interest in education, advocacy, and health communication. She works to reduce stigma and improve understanding of chronic illness, and through CHIVA has supported young people living with HIV. Combining lived experience with academic training, she creates social media content on health, society, and politics and is developing her skills as a science communicator.
Prashant, 21, India
Prashant is a youth leader and HIV advocate from Bangalore, working to advance youth-friendly health services, treatment adherence, mental health, and HIV awareness. A State Youth Ambassador with Youth Lead Voices and a BCom student at IGNOU, he has collaborated with community organisations to reduce stigma and improve access to health information, using social media, digital design, and grassroots networks to reach diverse audiences.
Ivan, 22, Bolivia
Ivan is a Bolivian youth advocate who works in sexual rights advocacy and HIV prevention. A member of the Global Fund Youth Council, J+LAC, and chair of J+BOL, he engages young people through bilingual content on social media. Studying Law and working as an English teacher, he uses creative digital tools to challenge stigma, particularly within LGBTQ+ communities, and strengthen regional collaboration across Latin America.
Meet the 2024 Young Reporters
*Kehlani, 18, UK
Kehlani is an advocate for young people living with HIV. She has chaired the Chiva Youth Committee for the past two years, representing the voices and needs of young people living with HIV in the UK.
*Chanachai, 19, Thailand
Chanachai is proud to be a part of the Buddy CU Leadership Group at their local hospital’s Buddy Clinic, a youth-focused sexual and mental health clinic.
*RK, 21, Uganda
RK is an adolescent peer supporter and public speaker, working with young people to improve their adherence, engagement in care and understanding how to live well with HIV.
Meet the 2023 Young Reporters
*Esther, 19, Brazil
I am a young reporter because I want to help young people living with HIV to have space for questions and answers about medicines, treatments, how to get help, doubts and difficulties in general.
*Pieet, 19, India
I am a young reporter because I want to help change the stigma around HIV by sharing information, so people can live with respect and dignity.
*Enhle, 18, South Africa
I am a young reporter because I want young people like me to not be scared about science and medicine. Sharing knowledge with young people is important.
For more information about Young Reporters or to discuss having your own Young Reporters, please contact: network@pentafoundation.org or youngreporters@pentafoundation.org.
The first two editions of the Young Reporters project were supported by ViiV Healthcare and Gilead Sciences. This current third edition, is fully supported by ViiV Healthcare.
*Names have been changed to respect the privacy of our Young Reporters