Together with young people living with HIV networks Y+ Global, Y+ Kenya, Y+ Malawi, and youth- and women-led organisations AYARHEP and COWLHA, Aidsfonds has initiated YouthWise.
This new four-year programme aims to amplify the voices of adolescents and young people living with HIV in Kenya and Malawi to enable them to practice self-care and fulfil their sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) needs, in a supportive and respectful environment.
#YouthWise! Elina is in charge of her health from Aidsfonds on Vimeo.
It is the time we take charge of everything. I mean, everything
Elina Wasinga is a radiant young woman from Malawi working for the Coalition of Women living with HIV and AIDS. She explains why young people need to be in charge when it comes to their health. Watch her strong message in this lively vlog.
In 2022, YouthWise will train 290 young people living with HIV as advocates and peers. 8,900 adolescents and young people will be supported through peers and (online) support groups for young people living with HIV and become more treatment- and health literate. This makes them better understand the importance of treatment adherence and able to pro-actively seek information and support where needed.
We will work with 200 parents, community and religious leaders, journalists and other community duty bearers to change the discourse on HIV and adolescent’ SRHR and support adolescents and young people living with HIV. We will work with 85 health service providers in facilities and communities to make services more youth-friendly and accessible and to strengthen referral systems.
At national level, we will advocate to change laws and policies, e.g. pushing for Community ART Groups to be adopted as a policy in Malawi. The young people living with HIV-led national networks will be strengthened in their organisational and technical capacity, amongst others their advocacy capacity.
I need to be in charge of my health because it is my responsibility
– Zipporah, AYARHEP
AIDS is still the leading cause of death among adolescents and young people living with HIV in Africa. There is a high need to improve treatment outcomes and quality of life for this group, to enable them to live healthy and productive lives.
There is a high need to improve treatment outcomes and quality of life for adolescents and young people living with HIV. YouthWise aims to amplify the voices of young people living with HIV in Kenya and Malawi to enable them to practice self-care and fulfil their sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) needs.
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Medan faces significant challenges related to stigma and discrimination against PLHIV and the LGBTQI+ community. Access to healthcare services is limited, as many people are hesitant to seek medical help due to fears of rejection and discrimination. HIV issues and LGBTQI+ rights receive little policy attention, with healthcare services lacking inclusivity and minimal public education, worsening the situation for the LGBTQI+ community in addressing HIV in Medan.
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In summer 2024 Aidsfonds launched three new pilot projects for children living with HIV. These projects were selected by Aidsfonds’ Paediatric HIV Advisory Panel. The projects aim to test new and innovative community-based approaches to identify and support children living with HIV who are underserved. This is important as these children are hard to reach, falling through the crack in the health care system.
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