School Based HIV and Violence Prevention Programme (AGYW PrEP) – DREAMS

Adopting a socio-ecological approach, the programme aims to reduce the incidence of HIV infection and violence among adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) through the provision of SRH and PrEP services through differentiated service delivery at community-based sites.

Rationale

The USAID funded DREAMS initiative adopts a differentiated service delivery approach to reach adolescent girls between 15-24 years at secondary schools, institutions of higher learning and community safe spaces in 14 USAID priority districts across 7 provinces in South Africa. Working with educators, parents, community stakeholders, key influencers and health facilities, the programme provides SRH and PrEP services through mobiles and pop-up gazebos. As part of DREAMS, this mechanism is complemented by layering with implementing partners at the facility and community level in addition to South African Government sectors (Education and Health) to ensure capacity building and sustainability.

The model supports the approach of a multilevel and multi-sectoral program underpinned by enhanced M&E and adaptive programming. Achieved through a layering of interventions at the district level, this approach is more likely to sustain prevention efforts over time than any single intervention. Therefore, the interventions will address risks at the individual level, as well as influencing context and access to youth friendly health services and psychosocial support incl. post violence care.

The programme also supports the introduction of new PrEP (PrEP Ring) methods (DREAMS PrEP Choice Study), by generating evidence on uptake, acceptability, use and feasibility of delivery through community-based settings.

Investigators

Nicolette Naidoo, Chief of Party
Tafadza Mhakakora, Deputy Chief of Party

Latest Update

March 2024

For more about School Based HIV and Violence Prevention Programme (AGYW PrEP) – DREAMS please email rhicomms@wrhi.ac.za