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