HIV Prevention Models

Innovative Approaches

Revolutionising Prevention

In 2020, the National AIDS Council launched various HIV prevention models as a drive to revolutionise and scale up prevention services to communities. This is in response to high HIV incidence among specific populations sub groups such as sex workers, prison inmates, artisanal miners and others.

NAC adopted these models to bring combination HIV prevention interventions to population sub groups that are at increased risk of HIV infection. Adopted models include the Bortha2Brotha, which focuses on addressing sexual reproductive health needs of adolescent boys and young men. Peer led approaches model for sex workers and other vulnerable groups such as fishermen, artisanal miners and tertiary students. The thrust of this model is to address the HIV and AIDS and sexual reproductive health needs for these vulnerable groups by giving them opportunities to learn from their peers. The Sista2sista model, which aims to empower adolescent girls and young women with sexual reproductive health services.

The modified Determined, Resilient, Empowered, AIDS-free, Mentored and Safe (DREAMS), focusing on reducing new HIV infections among adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) aged 10 – 24 years who are vulnerable and at risk of getting HIV infection. Adolescent girls and young women face a myriad of challenges related to their development such as limited educational opportunities, gender-based violence, inter-generational relationships, child marriages, early pregnancies and HIV infection.

The Community Adolescents Treatment Supporters and the Community ART Refill Groups, which are intended to ensure adherence and optimise treatment outcomes. Evidence shows that these models, if well implemented can help us achieve efficiency and effectiveness in HIV prevention and treatment.

The models are based on the ecological model, which emphasizes peer education as an approach to information and knowledge sharing and utilisation of available services particularly by hard to reach groups, whose structural dynamics require peers to be effective. These models are being implemented across the country to ensure coverage and impact. NAC is working closely with various partners and community based organisations to drive their implementation.