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Growing up in East Africa, the societal stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS created a painful reality for children, especially those living with the disease. Many were subjected to songs that emphasized the dangers of HIV without considering the feelings of peers who were HIV positive. The conspiracy of silence led to feelings of hopelessness and isolation, as young people navigated their identities while grappling with a status that was largely hidden from public discourse. This cultural context underscores the importance of acknowledging and addressing the emotional impact of such stigma on the youth affected by HIV.