Honorable Princess Kasune Zulu of Zambia
2017
Honorable Princess Kasune Zulu of Zambia s an HIV-positive woman from who gained international recognition for her advocacy on behalf of children, especially those affected by HIV/AIDS. In 2016 she was elected to Zambia’s Parliament, the first member to openly declare her HIV-positive status. Her advocacy began in her teens, soon after she lost her parents and siblings to AIDS. As a young girl, Princess volunteered in local hospitals to care for HIV/AIDS patients. As a young woman, she hitch-hiked across Zambia to educate truck drivers about HIV/AIDS. Princess launched two NGOs to help those impacted by illness, including Foundation of Life, a school and home for orphans. The nonprofit now partners with rural communities to build schools, clinics and clean water capacity. Princess also hosted her own HIV-focused radio show called “Positive Living.” Sponsored by UNICEF, it ran for five years, broadcasting in eight languages. She has met with many world leaders and spoken at health forums across the globe, including Australia, Canada, Germany, New Zealand, Romania, Spain, Thailand, the United Kingdom and, more extensively, in the United States.