KIGANDA CHARLES (MU-JHU YOUNG GENERATION ALIVE) MU-JHU CARE LTD Engaging Youth to Achieve 90-90-90 in Uganda Using Drama: A Young Generation Alive (YGA) Innovation KIGANDA CHARLES (MU-JHU YOUNG GENERATION ALIVE) MU-JHU CARE LTD

ENGAGING YOUTH TO ARCHIEVE 90-90-90 IN UGANDA USING DRAMA: A YOUNG GENERATION ALIVE (YGA) INNOVATION

BACKGROUND 90-90-90 is a global theme set by the World Health Organization in 2016; aimed at creating an AIDS free Generation by 2020. YGA is a psychosocial support group for children and youth infected and affected by HIV/AIDS. YGA adopted the strategy of drama to engage youth in achieving 90-90-90.

METHODS HIV prevention themes were identified and skit entitled, “An AIDS free Uganda, my responsibility” developed targeting youth in urban slum in Kampala- Uganda. Themes included; the impact of HIV testing among the youth, stigma and discrimination, HIV prevention messages, high risk behaviour: alcohol abuse, Sexual networks and peer influence.

RESULTS Over 200 youth attended the pre-World AIDS day dialogue. Lessons learnt include; youth vulnerability, youth life style predisposing youth to HIV infection, Sexual networks and peer pressure. The youth said they could be engaged in reaching out to fellow youth and promote health relationships and HIV testing among the youth. 49% of the youth tested for HIV 69120 condoms were distributed to the youth.

CONCLUSION Meaningful engagement of adolescents and young people living with HIV programming has led to development of programs that are relevant and acceptable to young people living with HIV thus contributing to the 90-90-90 goal.

THANK YOU