BY NOKUPHILA NXUMALO (INTERN)
ZOMBODZE– Efforts to reduce new HIV infections among young people received a major boost when World Vision Eswatini, through The HALT Project, conducted a health activation campaign at Zombodze Emuva Inkhundla to strengthen HIV prevention and improve access to youth-friendly healthcare services for youth.
The initiative was implemented by World Vision Eswatini with support from The Global Fund and coordinated by CANGO through the Eswatini Country Coordinating Mechanism.
The campaign focused on strengthening links between communities and healthcare facilities while advancing HIV prevention among adolescent girls and young women as well as adolescent boys and young men.
Organisers said the intervention forms part of wider national efforts aimed at reducing HIV infections through behavioural, biomedical and structural prevention programmes targeting vulnerable groups across Eswatini.
Young people who attended the activation received HIV prevention education, sexual and reproductive health rights information, PrEP awareness services and condoms. The programme also promoted youth-friendly healthcare services and community mobilisation.
Healthcare providers from Family Life Association of Eswatini Mobile Clinic, Zombodze Clinic and AHF Eswatini collaborated during the event to provide onsite HIV testing, counselling and PrEP services.
The activation created an opportunity for young people to interact directly with healthcare professionals and seek clarity on issues surrounding HIV prevention, treatment and reproductive health.
Organisers said the campaign also helped address myths and misconceptions that often discourage young people from accessing health services.
Stepping Stones behaviour change sessions formed part of the programme, encouraging positive decision-making and responsible behaviour among participants.
According to stakeholders, strengthening clinic-community relationships remains important in improving healthcare access and increasing uptake of prevention services.
They further highlighted the importance of multi-sectoral collaboration in strengthening public health systems and creating sustainable community-led interventions.
As Eswatini continues working towards HIV epidemic control, initiatives such as The HALT Project are expected to play a key role in empowering communities, improving prevention outcomes and protecting the future of young people.
Organisers said the campaign demonstrated how youth-centred programmes can contribute towards building informed, resilient and healthier communities across the country.
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(Courtesy Pic)
