Journal of Transmitted Diseases and Immunity

Showcasing goodpractices of supportin gadolescent girls and young women living with HIV led data collection and advocacy

Infectious Diseases and STD-AIDS
April 26-27, 2018 Rome, Italy

Margaret Happy

International Community of Women Living with HIV, Uganda

Posters & Accepted Abstracts: J Transm Dis Immun

DOI: 10.21767/2573-0320-C1-003

Abstract

The main objective of the study is to disseminate the findings of the SRHR data collected from public health facilities by the AGYW living with HIV from 5 districts of Uganda under the PITCH project. Uganda registers 570 new HIV infections among adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) every week. At least one in four adolescent girls has either had a child or is pregnant and 58% of adolescent girls have reported physical or sexual violence. At least 24% of adolescent girls are pregnant or with a child before the age of 18. The level of knowledge on HIV and SRHR(sexual and reproductive health and rights) among adolescent girls is low 36% compared to boys 38% of same age. The International Community of Women Living with HIV and AIDS Eastern Africa (ICWEA) with support from AIDS Fond implements the partnership to inspire, transform and connect the HIV response (PITCH) project in districts of Kampala, Wakiso, Mukono, Busia and Mubende. The project aims at creating awareness on the Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights of Adolescent Girls and Young Women living with HIV. ICWEA mandate in this intervention is to advocate for the SRHR that responds to the needs and realities of the AGYW living with HIV Based on the above background, ICWEA mobilized, recruited and trained AGYW living with HIV as SRHR Advocacy Champions. They were attached to public health facilities to collect data on SRHR for evidence based advocacy. The data collection was both qualitative and quantitative. The methods that were used for collecting HIV and SRHR data were literature review, structured questionnaires and dialogues with AGYW living with HIV, health care providers and popular opinion leaders. happy.progressio@gmail.com