AGYW learning collaborative

The adolescent girls and young women’s learning collaborative

Adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) in Eastern and Southern Africa face unique challenges, including an increased risk of HIV due to social, economic and structural barriers, and behaviours. Despite these obstacles, AGYW possesses immense potential and resilience. The growing body of evidence and innovation showcases promising approaches within AGYW programming in the region, highlighting effective strategies to address the multifaceted issues they encounter and empower them to thrive.

The collaboration site serves as a centralized hub where stakeholders engaged in AGYW initiatives can access a wealth of implementation resources to enhance the quality and effectiveness of comprehensive HIV and sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) programming. It empowers practitioners, policymakers, and advocates by offering convenient access to a diverse array of partner materials dedicated to supporting the AGYW response.

Our Learning Collaborative site draws upon multisectoral evidence and tools from the Eastern and Southern African region, leveraging insights and experiences to address the significant burden of the HIV and SRHR epidemic in this area. Additionally, the site incorporates lessons learned and south-to-south knowledge products. 

Adolescent and young mothers

Pregnancy and motherhood among adolescent girls affected by HIV

In Eastern and Southern Africa, 20% of girls become pregnant before age 20. Adolescent mothers face challenges like school dropout, poverty, isolation, and increased HIV vulnerability, often with low partner support. These impact ART adherence among HIV-positive adolescents. 

Their children risk lower education, higher poverty, and becoming adolescent parents as well. Despite these significant challenges, there is limited research on improving outcomes for adolescent mothers and their children. The brief summarizes adolescents' experiences of pregnancy and early motherhood, focusing on those living with HIV, and highlights key programming considerations to promote positive pregnancy and parenting experiences and better outcomes. 

Engagement and advocacy

We matter, value us

The guideline emphasizes the importance of meaningful engagement and collaboration with young people, particularly adolescents and young people living with HIV (AYPLHIV), in all aspects of HIV programming and decision-making processes. 

It highlights the need to recognize and respect their unique perspectives, experiences, and contributions. The guideline provides practical recommendations and strategies for effectively involving AYPLHIV in program design, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation, ensuring their voices are heard and valued.

Adolescent health

Global accelerated action for the health of adolescents (AA-HA!)

The "Global Accelerated Action for the Health of Adolescents (AA-HA!)" guidance emphasizes adolescents' unique health needs. The second edition, led by the World Health Organization and UN agencies, builds on the first edition's foundational work. Informed by adolescent voices and insights from the past six years, including lessons from COVID-19, this updated version offers cutting-edge insights into adolescent health. Prioritizing evidence-based solutions, the guide tailors health programs for the world's 1.2 billion adolescents. With implementation strategies and case studies, AA-HA! 2.0 is a practical resource for effective adolescent health initiatives. 

Adolescent friendly health services

Adolescent-friendly health services for adolescents living with HIV: From theory to practice

Currently, adolescent-friendly health services, especially for those with HIV, lack effective integration with other essential services like mental health and sexual and reproductive health. As a result, many adolescents living with HIV miss out on services meeting the principles of adolescent-friendly health services: equitable, acceptable, accessible, appropriate, and effective. This publication defines key components of adolescent-friendly health services, compiles existing guidance, and explores differentiated service delivery for adolescents with HIV. It also showcases best-practice case studies from country experiences. 

Adolescents living with HIV

Integrating psychosocial interventions and support into HIV services for adolescents and young adults

Adolescence, aged 10-19, brings psychosocial and mental health challenges, heightened for those with HIV due to illness management and stigma. Mental health support is scarce, especially in HIV-affected regions. This brief urges tailored psychosocial interventions for HIV-positive adolescents and young adults, promoting healthy behaviors and mental well-being to improve HIV outcomes. It uses recent WHO guidelines to suggest integration strategies for mental health and HIV services, providing implementation approaches and examples. Additionally, it aims to showcase best practices and actions for ongoing investment in this group's health amid global challenges.

Broader programming

Technical brief HIV programming for AGYW

This technical brief updates previous guidance from 2019 and aligns with the latest recommendations from UN agencies and partners. Global Fund support focuses on 15- to 24-year-olds in areas with moderate to high HIV incidence. While the brief emphasizes HIV prevention, it recognizes adolescents' comprehensive health needs and vulnerabilities, including harmful gender norms, inequalities, violence, and exploitation. Addressing these challenges involves strengthening primary health care, community systems, and human rights, as outlined in the Global Fund's 2023-2028 Strategy. The brief underscores the importance of tailoring interventions to the diverse needs and vulnerabilities of AGYW sub-populations. 

Livelihoods

Skills4Girls partner toolkit

UNICEF's Skills4Girls Portfolio operates in 22 countries to bridge the skills gap for adolescent girls in the workforce. This toolkit supports girls' skill-building and positions UNICEF as a partner for empowering them through skills development. Objectives include fostering partnerships, showcasing the value of investing in girls' skills, and inspiring global change. Investing in girls' skills benefits them, their families, and communities, crucial for positive change.

Gender-based violence

Toolkit: Second edition of the youth guide to end online GBV

UN Women's second edition of the "Youth Guide to End Online Gender-Based Violence" empowers youth in Asia-Pacific to combat online GBV. It provides practical guidance and resources on understanding, recognizing, and responding to online GBV, covering various aspects. Strategies include policy advocacy, promoting digital literacy, and fostering supportive communities. The toolkit features case studies from youth-led initiatives in Asia-Pacific. Lessons from other regions, like Eastern and Southern Africa (ESA), can be applied.

HIV prevention

Implementation guidance for simplified and differentiated service delivery of PrEP for HIV prevention

The WHO has issued a new technical brief offering implementation guidance for simplified and differentiated delivery of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV prevention. It aims to help stakeholders effectively plan and implement PrEP services. Topics include starting, using, and stopping oral PrEP, screening for hepatitis B and C viruses, monitoring kidney function, and incorporating HIV self-testing for PrEP. The brief stresses a person- and community-centered approach to service delivery, adapting to individual needs and preferences. Updates on PrEP are available through the WHO Global PrEP Network webinars

Keeping girls in school

Evidence and strategies for adolescent girls’ education programming

This brief outlines essential factors for effective programming for adolescent girls, stressing the importance of addressing their diverse needs. It advocates for comprehensive approaches beyond health interventions, including education and economic empowerment. Engagement of communities and stakeholders is crucial, along with evidence-based and sustainable programs. The document offers insights and recommendations for organizations aiming to enhance adolescent girls' well-being through strengthened education systems globally. 

Peer providers

Effectiveness of CATS interventions in improving linkage and retention in care, adherence to ART and psychosocial well-being: a randomised trial

The document describes the Zvandiri Model of Care, where Community Adolescent Treatment Supporters (CATS) provide care to adolescents with HIV. It explains how CATS operate in the community, assisting adolescents at different stages of their HIV treatment. The publication demonstrates the model's effectiveness in improving HIV care outcomes and its importance in meeting adolescents' HIV-related needs in the community.

SBC and CSE

HIV & SRHR SBC toolkit for adolescents and young people in ESA region

The document describes the creation of six question and answer (Q&A) resource documents on HIV and sexual and reproductive health (SRH) for adolescents and young people in Eastern and Southern Africa (ESA). Developed as part of the 2gether 4 SRHR joint UN program, these resources were collaboratively created by UNICEF ESARO, Y+ Global, and UNFPA ESARO. Each Q&A resource, developed with input from adolescents and young people, covers around 10 questions and is part of a broader toolkit suitable for adaptation across various social and behavior change (SBC) platforms, including digital media, radio shows, and peer counseling sessions. 

Social and gender programming

Gender transformative approaches to achieve gender equality and SRHR

UNFPA's technical brief focuses on the Global Thematic Agenda (GTA) for Adolescents and Young People (2023-2027). The GTA framework directs strategic interventions in sexual and reproductive health, gender equality, education, and youth empowerment. It prioritizes areas like comprehensive sexuality education, access to reproductive health services, gender-based violence prevention, and youth participation. The brief emphasizes evidence-based programming and data-driven approaches for effective and sustainable interventions. 

Social protection

Feminist priorities for extending and adapting social protection in Africa 2022

Gender inequality exacerbates poverty, vulnerability, and exclusion, particularly impacting adolescent girls and women, who are 25% more likely to live in poverty than men and boys. Social protection, comprising policies and programs to prevent and assist those facing poverty and vulnerability, is crucial. It's a basic right for children and women experiencing these gendered challenges, benefiting families and communities as a whole. 

SRHR and family planning

Sexual and reproductive health of adolescents and young people affected by HIV

Understanding and addressing adolescents' sexual and reproductive health (SRH) needs, including those with HIV, is crucial. This brief emphasizes the importance, especially in Eastern and Southern Africa, where new HIV infections among 15-24-year-olds are high. It highlights addressing early sexual risks and challenges like unintended pregnancies and mental health issues. The document discusses gender disparities and stigma's impact on SRH service accessibility. Providing insights and programming considerations, it guides effective interventions for adolescents, aiming for improved health outcomes and empowerment. 

SRHR and family planning resources

TitleOrganizationYear
Radio 4000 Podcast – Season IIUNICEF2023
Technical brief HIV programming for AGYWGlobal Fund2023
Sexual and reproductive health of adolescents and young people affected by HIVUNICEF2023
South-south knowledge sharing on integration of SRHR, HIV and GBV servicesUNFPA2022
Radio 4000 Podcast - Season IUNICEF2022
Project Hope Namibia: PrEP communication toolkitPrEP Watch2022
Engaging parents to create an enabling environment for young people’s PrEP use: Supplementary contentPrEP Watch2022
Implementation guidance for simplified and differentiated service delivery of PrEP for HIV preventionWHO2022
Technical brief on the integration of menstrual health into sexual and reproductive health and rights policies and programmesUNFPA2021
Programmatic guidance on integrating adolescent SRHR and economic empowerment of young peopleUNFPA 2021
Menstrual health and hygiene resource packageWorld Bank2021
Improving the quality of PrEP implementation for AGYWUNICEF2021
Menstrual health & hygiene for girls and women with disabilities: Guidance noteUNICEF2020
Charisma ToolkitPrEP Watch2020
Guide to menstrual hygiene materialsUNICEF2019
Speak my language! Using digital media to reach and engage adolescents on oral PrEPOPTIONS Consortium2019
School drop-out early warning system screening toolThe Bantwana Initiative of World Education, Inc.2019
WHO recommendations on adolescent sexual and reproductive health and rightsWHO2018
Reducing early and unintended pregnancies among adolescents: Evidence briefWHO2017
The importance of sexual and reproductive health and rights to prevent HIV in adolescent girls and young women in Eastern and Southern AfricaHuman Reproduction Programme (HRP), WHO2017