What have we learnt about HIV prevention for SA's AGYW

Prevention of HIV infection in adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) remains a priority for South Africa (SA). While there is huge emphasis on the HIV epidemic in AGYW and large investments in the response, evidence is not always applied or translated into detailed guidance that can be used to inform future AGYW programming.

Genesis was contracted by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to consolidate the implementation challenges and promising practices of AGYW HIV prevention programmes in South Africa.

We set up a technical working group comprising a wide range of experts across key AGYW constituencies. We developed an Excel tool that consolidated district epidemiological data and a synthesis of current national AGYW programmes.

The findings in the tool were supplemented with key informant interviews, analysed using thematic content analysis and shared at various AGYW forums. In addition, we developed a policy brief to distil the key findings and share practical recommendations that policymakers can use when designing programmes or developing policies.

We also developed an implementer brief for programme designers, managers and implementers of the AGYW HIV prevention response in SA. The landscaping findings and recommendations were used in SA’s Global Fund request for funding.

Improving the mentorship of AGYW in HIV prevention programmes