During the implementation of the quarter one “Integrated education for HIV prevention in Bududa communities project” funded by PEPFAR. This reporting quarter was an important opportunity to showcase the importance of working with Adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) in the fight against HIV. It was also a clear example of the role key stakeholders must play in coordinating and contributing to an all of society approach to HIV prevention.

This project was particularly important as it commenced after the COVID 19 pandemic and was an important milestone in the reawakening of the HIV prevention message in the target communities. Together, we contributed to the coordination, policy messages and amplified community voice in the fight against HIV. Daily HIV messaging and training brought local communities together to prepare for each day and share the key HIV prevention strategy. With AAH co-coordinating the implementation of the project, stakeholders were able to play a key role in bringing together the HIV prevention messaging alive in their communities through training and participating in the development of the HIV prevention curriculum.

These key messages were shared, evidenced, and amplified by our trained volunteers at local schools and events across the district. Community voice was brought in through trained AGYW peer educators from AAH teachers and students, where AAH connected live to communities on the front line of risk to bring local voice and urgency on HIV prevention.

Our efforts were recognised and had an impact. All this was made possible through the funding from the PEPFAR Uganda Community Grants to Combat HIV/AIDS