Enhancing the participation of AYPLHIV in advocacy spaces

The episode features young people discussing their experiences when participating in advocacy spaces. Thus includes the challenges they are facing and the opportunities available.  

The podcast focused on the ways young people can harness the power of social media as an advocacy platform. 

Young LGBTQI in Bulawayo discussed challenges they are facing when interacting with healthcare providers at facilities and accessing HIV treatment services. 

In this episode we explore the challenges faced by adolescents and young people living with HIV (AYPLHIV) during the COVID-19 pandemic and lock-down period. The discussion was hosted by Ntombikhaisi Sibanda a community adolescent treatment supporter (CATS) mentor for (ZY+), the guest included ZY+ staff; George Manxiwa a psychologist and mental health support assistant, Charmaine Matanda research and M&E officer for ZY+, Ottinah Matafi a CATS mentor and ZY+ district focal person for Masvingo; and Courtney Shark Hove – a CATS mentor, and Aunty Tsitsi a programs officer from AfricAid.

The podcast discusses the following issues 

• sexual exploitation during the pandemic
• how the COVID-19 pandemic is causing mental health challenges that are also affecting the health or AYPLHIV
• How the pandemic caused a rise in child sexual exploitation 
• How the COVID 19 pandemic exacerbated gender-based violence
• Drug and substance abuse during the COVID-19 pandemic and lock downs
• The significance of the community adolescent treatment supporter (CATS) model during the pandemic

We would like to give special thanks to the READY Movement, AfricAid Zvandiri & Y+ Global

For more information visit our website https://www.zimbabweyoungpositives.org/ or call us @ +263242257310 / +263783142556 / info@zimbabweyoungpositives.org