AGYW learning collaborative

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.

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 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. 

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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

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. 

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.

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. 

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. 

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. 

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.