Why follow-up visits to youth groups matter
MASYAP’s regular visits to youth groups of girls living with or affected by HIV bring emotional support, peer education and help with treatment.
MASYAP makes regular follow-up visits to its youth support groups, whose members are girls and young women living with or affected by HIV. The visits bring real benefits for their wellbeing, resilience and confidence.
What the visits do
- Emotional support: living with or being affected by HIV is hard. The groups are safe places to express feelings, share experiences and find understanding.
- Peer education: members share knowledge about HIV prevention, sticking to treatment and coping.
- Less stigma: by helping members feel accepted, the groups challenge misconceptions about HIV and build a more inclusive community.
- Better mental health: regular support reduces anxiety, depression and isolation.
- Staying on treatment: members are reminded why treatment matters and share tips for overcoming difficulties, leading to better health.
- Life skills: members develop communication, problem-solving and decision-making skills, and take an active role in their own health.
