BY NOKUPHILA NXUMALO (INTERN)
LOGOBA– CANGO, in partnership with HealthPlus 4 Men and with support from The Global Fund, recently hosted a community outreach programme in Logoba aimed at educating people who use injection drugs, sex workers and transport operators on HIV prevention while also providing HIV testing, counselling and PrEP services to reduce new infections and strengthen community health systems.
The outreach programme brought together vulnerable groups for a full day of awareness, empowerment and health services focused on HIV prevention, behaviour change and access to care.
Speaking during the outreach, a representative from CANGO said the initiative was designed to ensure that communities receive accurate information on HIV prevention while being linked directly to healthcare and support services.
“We gathered them there in what we term an outreach so that we can give them information and educate them on HIV prevention and PrEP. After that, we partnered with organisations providing clinical services. Georgetown Clinic was part of the activity where HIV testing and PrEP services were provided after the educational sessions,” said the representative.
The organisation explained that it was given 14 Tinkhundla to work within, where it identifies and selects peer educators from within the target populations. These peers are then trained to educate their own communities, making HIV prevention messages more relatable and accessible.
This peer-led model allows CANGO to reach people more effectively, especially those who may not easily access formal health services. It also helps reduce stigma, build trust and encourage more people to take up services such as HIV testing, PrEP and counselling.
Participants at the outreach received HIV testing and counselling services, PrEP education, sexual and reproductive health information, psychosocial support and guidance on reducing HIV risks. The sessions were conducted through open dialogue throughout the day to encourage behaviour change and healthier lifestyles.
The outreach also included the Swaziland National Youth Council, which encouraged participants to explore income-generating opportunities and skills development programmes aimed at improving livelihoods.
According to the representative, participants raised concerns about unemployment and the need for sustainable income-generating projects, particularly among vulnerable groups.
“They voiced their concerns regarding income-generating projects because many of the people who should be employed are not working. The youth council was there to talk about opportunities available for making money and improving livelihoods,” the representative added.
Organisers further revealed that more outreach programmes are planned in Lobamba for people who use injection drugs and in Ngwane Park for female sex workers as part of expanding HIV prevention services across the country.
#CANGOInAction #HealthPlus4Men #GlobalFund #EndAIDSinEswatini #HIVPrevention #CommunityHealth
(Courtesy Pic)
