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Women account for more than half the number of people living with HIV worldwide. Shockingly, young women (aged 10-24) are twice as likely to acquire HIV as young men in the same age group. At All Women Advocacy (AWA), we recognise that HIV disproportionately affects women and adolescent girls due to cultural, social, and economic inequalities. Unaccommodating attitudes towards sex, the stigma surrounding sexuality, and limited social autonomy hinder their access to sexual health and HIV services.

In Zimbabwe, the situation is particularly alarming. In 2019, 80% of new HIV infections were among adolescent girls and young women (AGYW), who were up to eight times more likely to be living with HIV than their male counterparts. This highlights the urgent need to address the gender inequality and violence that women and girls at risk of HIV often face.

AWA's HIV programs are designed to empower and support women and girls by encouraging the demand for and uptake of essential HIV services. Our initiatives include:

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  • Promoting Correct and Consistent Condom Use:  We emphasise the importance of correct and consistent condom use as a vital strategy for preventing HIV transmission. Through educational campaigns and distribution programs, we empower women and girls to make informed choices regarding their sexual health.

  • Distribution of Protective Barriers: AWA ensures the availability of protective barriers such as condoms and lubricants. We distribute these essential resources to women and girls, promoting safer sexual practices and reducing the risk of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

  • Referrals for HIV Testing Services: We provide referrals and guidance to HIV testing services, ensuring that women and girls have access to confidential and accurate testing. By encouraging regular testing, we empower individuals to know their HIV status and take appropriate measures for prevention and treatment.

  • Encouraging Self-Testing for HIV: AWA promotes self-testing for HIV, empowering women and girls to take control of their own health. We provide information, resources, and support for self-testing, ensuring privacy and confidentiality.

  • Education on STIs and Referrals for Screening and Treatment: We educate women on sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and provide referrals for screening and treatment. By raising awareness and facilitating access to healthcare services, we empower women to protect their sexual health and well-being.

  • Raising Awareness on PrEP and Referrals for Service: AWA raises awareness about Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), a preventive HIV medication. We provide information and referrals for accessing PrEP services, ensuring that women at high risk of HIV have the knowledge and resources to protect themselves.

  • Raising Awareness on PEP and Referrals for Service: We raise awareness about Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP), an emergency medication taken after potential HIV exposure. AWA offers information and referrals for accessing PEP services, empowering women to take immediate action to prevent HIV transmission.

  • Education on PMTCT (Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission): AWA educates women on the importance of PMTCT to prevent HIV transmission from mother to child. We provide information and support to ensure that pregnant women living with HIV can access the necessary services and interventions to protect their babies.

  • Educating Communities on U=U (Undetectable = Untransmittable): We raise awareness in communities about the concept of U=U, which means that individuals with undetectable viral loads cannot transmit HIV. By dispelling myths and reducing stigma, we promote understanding and acceptance of people living with HIV.

  • ART Retention to Treatment Initiatives: AWA focuses on ensuring the retention of women on antiretroviral therapy (ART). We provide counselling, support, and reminders to promote treatment adherence and improve overall health outcomes.

  • Counselling and Psycho-Social Support for Women on HIV Treatment: We offer counselling and psycho-social support services to women living with HIV. Our trained professionals provide emotional support, coping strategies, and guidance to enhance the well-being and quality of life for women on HIV treatment.

  • Health Rights Training and Facility Monitoring Toolkits: AWA conducts health rights training sessions to educate women on their rights as patients. We unpack the patient's charter, HIV and TB treatment literacy, and facility monitoring toolkits, empowering women to demand improved services that are sex worker (SW) and key population (KP) friendly.

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