FOCCAD Leads HIV Prevention Efforts Through "Breaking Barriers"
The initiative's innovative approaches and FOCCAD's commitment are paving the way for a healthier and more empowered AGYW generation in the region.
DEDZA, Malawi — The Foundation for Community and Capacity Development (FOCCAD) has impacted over 6,100 Adolescent Girls and Young Women (AGYWs) in Dedza and Nkhotakota through its "Breaking Barriers to HIV Treatment, Care, and Support - Sustaining Community Interventions" project aimed at combating HIV/AIDS, writes Jackson Mwakibinga.
The two-year initiative established AGYW-only clubs and school life skills clubs to provide education on HIV prevention, sexual and reproductive health rights, and address stigma and discrimination.
Through these clubs, AGYWs gained access to accurate information and vital HIV prevention services.
FOCCAD recently engaged over 400 AGYWs across 16 clubs in Dedza in quizzes to assess knowledge levels and ensure access to accurate information.
It also provided MK 3,000,000 worth of school materials to over 400 school-going AGYWs, and awarded MK 35,000 each to seven clubs as incentives.
"The palpable impact is evident, with notable behavior changes and increased information access demonstrated by AGYWs' active participation and insightful responses," a FOCCAD statement said. Engaging school governance structures addressed stigma and discrimination, enabling delivery of life skills and comprehensive sexual education curricula.
Bernard Kumanda, Primary Education Advisor for Dedza's T/A Kachere boma zone, commended FOCCAD's "exceptional impact on education and HIV prevention, with improved academic performance and successful reintegration of previously marginalized AGYWs."
Agness Manda, FOCCAD Project Manager, reiterated the primary objective was reducing HIV infections and AIDS-related deaths among AGYWs aged 10-24 by increasing access to combination HIV prevention information and services.
The initiative's innovative approaches and FOCCAD's commitment are paving the way for a healthier and more empowered AGYW generation in the region.