Empowering, community-led education in S.Africa, Nigeria, Zimbabwe & Thailand focusing on child protection to prevent child abuse; child HIV infection; mother-to-child HIV transmission; teen pregnancy; & teen mums from believing that selling sex is the only way to provide for their children.
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Beneficiaries
Globally, South Africa & Nigeria have the most HIV infections. Zimbabwe’s prevalence is also high, with over 11% of the population & almost 50% of prostitutes living with the virus. Thailand has identified teens as a very high-risk group. Reduction of mother-to-child HIV transmission in Nigeria is slow, partly due to low uptake of antenatal care, & 1 in 5 girls is pregnant before they are 16. Lack of education, cultures of abuse, poverty & gender inequality are key drivers of these stats.
Community-led education programmes will provide knowledge of sexual & reproductive health so children know how to protect themselves from HIV & early pregnancy. They will also learn to identify/challenge & report abuse. Caregivers will learn how to protect children & about healthier alternatives to physical punishment & gender inequality. Pregnant women will be supported in accessing antenatal care & HIV services. Children will learn their HIV status so they can access treatment as necessary.
