Den Haag, the Netherlands | Cape Town, South Africa, 8 December, The Global Network of Young People Living with HIV (Y+ Global) today announced a leadership transition within its Board following the resignation of Horacio Barreda as Board Chair.
Y+ Global extends its appreciation to Horacio Barreda for his dedicated service and leadership over the past several years. During his tenure, Horacio played an instrumental role in elevating the organisation’s global presence, notably representing Y+ Global on the Global Fund Youth Council and contributing to key advocacy engagements such as the World Health Summit.
Horacio has also been instrumental in helping the organisation navigate challenging and unpredictable times within the HIV response. Throughout his time as Chair, he remained deeply committed to advancing the voices, priorities, and rights of young people living with HIV, ensuring they were heard in every space he occupied. He has been, and will continue to be, a powerful voice for young people living with HIV everywhere. Y+ Global commends his leadership and expresses deep gratitude for his commitment.
As he embarks on a new chapter, we extend our sincere appreciation for his contributions and wish him every success ahead.
[From left to right: Horacio Barreda (Argentina); Kimberly Springer (Trinidad and Tobago)]
“Horacio has played an important role in supporting Y+ Global’s growth, and we appreciate the dedication he brought to our mission. Kimberly’s appointment marks an exciting moment for our network, and I am confident her leadership will continue to elevate the voices and priorities of young people living with HIV.”Maximina Jokonya
Executive Director at Y+ Global
Appointment of Kimberly Springer as New Board Chair
Following this transition, Y+ Global is pleased to announce the appointment of Kimberly Springer as the new Chair of the Board. Kimberly previously served as Vice Chair and represents the Caribbean region.
An advocate, activist, and feminist from Trinidad and Tobago, Kimberly is widely recognised for her leadership in advancing the rights of young women, adolescent girls, and young mothers. Her work focuses on mothers living with HIV, sexual and reproductive health and rights, and addressing gender-based violence within her community and across the wider Caribbean.
Her leadership extends internationally as well. Kimberly is a member of the International Community of Women Living with HIV – Chapter of Young Women and Adolescent Girls, where she supports and empowers young women and girls, and serves on the UNFPA Youth Advisory Group of Trinidad and Tobago, advocating for the diverse needs and issues affecting young women and adolescents.
“This role is a responsibility I carry with humility and purpose. I am committed to building on the foundation laid before me and ensuring that Y+ Global continues to empower and elevate young people living with HIV across all regions.”Kimberly Springer
Chair of the Board at Y+ Global
As part of its ongoing commitment to strong, diverse, and youth-led governance, Y+ Global will open a new round of Board member recruitment in early 2026. Positions will be available for young people living with HIV, under the age of 30, from Latin America, Europe, Eastern Europe and Central Asia. Further details will be announced early next year.
About Y+ Global
The Global Network of Young People Living with HIV (Y+ Global) is a youth-led organisation working to ensure that young people living with and affected by HIV are meaningfully engaged, represented, and empowered in shaping policies, programmes, and advocacy efforts that affect their lives.