knowledge on HIV prevention

Objective

The project aims to increase knowledge on HIV prevention and improve sexual reproductive health among youth aged 15-24.

Background

The 2010 Rwanda Demographic Health Survey showed an HIV infection rate of 2.5% for women and 0.5% for men among youth aged 20-24 years. The 2010 UNGASS report revealed that among 15-24 year-olds, only 10.3% of women and 11.8% of men correctly identified ways of preventing sexual transmission of HIV/AIDs. 

To prevent new infections, young people needed to understand how to better protect themselves by accessing youth-friendly HIV prevention and SRH services. With support from the Global Fund, Imbuto Foundation initiated Mountain Movers in 2011.

This project aims to increase knowledge on HIV prevention and SRH among in and out of school 15-24 year olds, promote positive behavior by uplifting Rwandan values, and create a network of peer educators at district level to raise awareness. The project is implemented through 14 youth-led community-based organizations in 10 districts in Rwanda including: 

• Kigali City (Nyarugenge)
• Northern Province (Burera & Musanze)
• Western Province (Karongi, Nyabihu, Nyamasheke, Ngororero, Rubavu, Rusizi and Rutsiro) 

The current phase started in 2013 and aims to increasingly involve parents in sensitization efforts, empower girls with knowledge on sexual reproductive health and HIV prevention, and expand the coverage to all 150 sectors of the 10 selected districts. 

Partners

• Global Fund through single stream funding for HIV  

Duration 

• Started 2011

Achievements & outcomes to date 

• 62,000 youth reached through HIV info and prevention messages
• 5,425 youth tested for HIV 
• 547 peer educators trained
• 6 parent-adolescent forums organized with attendance of 900 parents & 700 youths