HIV Voluntary Counseling and Testing Project in KwaZulu-Natal (2003 - 2006)
The Republic of South Africa, and KwaZulu-Natal Province in particular, has been hard hit by the AIDS epidemic. Young adults between the ages of 20 and 24 are the most affected age cohort, with an HIV prevalence rate of 25.6%. Within the next 10-15 years, this is expected to generate a 17-fold increase in youth mortality in South Africa. HIV prevention and services directed at youth are critically needed to curtail the progression of the epidemic.
MCDI received funding from The John Hopkins University's Center for Communication Programs (JHU/CCP) to implement an HIV Voluntary Counseling and Testing Project in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), in collaboration with a local NGO, DramAidE. The project developed a strategy with approaches and linkages to the KZN Department of Health and the USAID Mission's HIV prevention strategies, and targeted both in and out-of-school youth, with a special focus on young girls and pregnant adolescent women. The project reached young women and men through multiple interventions consistent with the 10-step strategy formulated by WHO, UNICEF and UNAIDS, as adapted by the South African DOH.
The project goal was to increase access to, and participation of youth in, youth-friendly HIV/AIDS and VCT services in Ndwedwe. The project's objectives were the following:
- To establish youth-friendly VCT centers and post-test support groups in DOH clinics to provide quality HIV/AIDS VCT services for youth (15-24) in Ndwedwe
- To work with participating groups (DOH, DOE, CHCs) to create a supportive environment for youth-focused activities and establish school health and community youth clubs in Ndwedwe district
- To build the capacity of DramAidE school health clubs and out-of school youth and empower youth to implement youth-focused HIV/AIDS prevention activities in Ndwedwe district.
