Youth Lead HIV prevention and SRHR activities in Bono Region, we are the agents of Change!

Adolescent reproductive issues continue to be a challenge in the country characterized by misconceptions, socio-cultural barriers, lack of access to adequate and accurate information about sexual and reproductive health leading to high-risk activities including unprotected sex and its related problems.  

With Funding support from UNESCO, Hope For Future Generations liaised with key government and community stakeholders, including Ghana Health Service, Ghana Education Service, parents among others to select and train twenty young people to serve as agents for HIV prevention. They provide accurate and adequate information about Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) issues in ten project beneficiary communities across the Sunyani East and Berekum East Municipalities. 

As agents of change, these twenty young and out of school adolescent/young people have devoted their time and energy to support HIV prevention using small groups and one-on-one peer education/peer counseling. Though the activity is ongoing, a total of 344 young people have been reached with information on HIV prevention as at March 30^th 2021. Out of the number reached, 228 are females and 116 males. Young people living with HIV were targeted with information on positive living, adherence to treatment, nutrition among other things. 

Other activities conducted under the project include:

• Engagement with Regional, Municipal and Community stakeholders on HIV prevention among adolescents
• Orientation for School Health Education Programme (SHEP)/Girl Child Coordinators in 10 schools across Berekum and Sunyani East municipalities.
• Youth lead Radio discussion on HIV prevention and adolescent sexual and reproductive health issues. 
• Training of in-school adolescents on the HIV Alert Model in ten (10) schools, five per District
• Community sensitization of parents and opinion leaders on HIV prevention and SRH for young people. 
• Bi-monthly review meetings for adolescents’ peer educators