Volunteering to end new HIV infections and sexual exploitation in Botswana

Practices & Experiences

Volunteering to end new HIV infections and sexual exploitation in Botswana

Scope
National
Lead organization
UNICEF Botswana and National AIDS Health Promotion Agency (NAHPA)
Country
Botswana
Region
Africa
SDGs
Overview
In 2019, UNICEF Botswana partnered with Botswana’s National AIDS and Health Promotion Agency (NAHPA) to pilot a project that uses volunteers to support national efforts to prevent sexual violence and HIV amongst adolescents and young people. Through the pilot project twenty-five volunteers have been trained and deployed as peer educators, reaching over 5,000 adolescents and young people (10-24 years old) in the districts of Selibe-Phikwe, Boteti, Ghanzi and Okavango. The volunteers deliver age-appropriate, gender-sensitive educational sessions to at-risk youth and address key issues in their communities using the MTV Shuga Peer Facilitator Guide. Due to their active involvement in community activities, the volunteers are now part of district response activities for COVID-19, working to inform and engage other adolescents and young people in COVID-19 response, including providing information on sexual violence and how to access HIV services during lockdown.
SDG contribution highlights

Globally, Botswana has the fourth highest HIV prevalence, estimated at 21% among adults aged 15-49 years. HIV prevalence among young people 15-24 continues to remain high, with significant gender disparity (9% among females and 5% among males). Furthermore, young people 15-24 account for a third of new HIV infections, with majority of infections (66%) occurring among girls and young women. Low risk-perception about HIV and AIDS continues to be a challenge, particularly among young people in both urban and remote areas. Less than half of young people in Botswana (47%) have comprehensive knowledge about HIV. By working with volunteers, the project facilitates peer-led, integrated and effective prevention of sexual violence and HIV, ensuring scale and sustainability, as well as reach in remote, rural and under-served areas. In its latest evaluation, knowledge of issues related to HIV and sexual violence increased by ten percent as a result of the UNICEF-NAHPA project. Furthermore the volunteers also worked to mobilize youth to join UNICEF’s U-Report, a platform that strengthens young people’s engagement in policy dialogue and programming. To date over 1000 adolescents and young people affected by HIV and AIDs have spoken out on issues that concern them through the platform.

Lessons learned and success factors
  • The UNICEF-NAHPA volunteers were able to quickly adapt to the COVID-19 situation on the ground, spreading verified messages on access to AIDS and HIV services, as well as access to services for young people experiencing violence. Virtual peer education sessions were introduced  and volunteers gave training on how to deliver online peer learning and how to share education materials via social media.
  • The use of the MTV Shuga Peer Facilitator Guide has been important for the success of the project. The guide is designed to help educators and their peers both understand the issues framed by the MTV Shuga TV series and understand their own situations related to sexuality, families, stigma, and behaviors surrounding the risk of HIV.
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