Gender transformative SRHR Systems for Improved HIV prevention

Project completed

This programme contributes to the reduction of HIV infections and the improvement of sexual and reproductive health status of adolescents and young people in five Southern African countries. It strengthens capacities of communities and governments in mapping and addressing HIV and Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) needs of young people and advocates for integrated regional policies and frameworks.

Country/region Topic Period Budget
Southern African Development Community (SADC)
Health
Gender
nothemedefined
Reproductive health & rights
Sexually transmitted diseases incl. HIV/AIDS
Sexual & gender-based violence
01.04.2018 - 31.12.2021
CHF  7’728’800
Background

While new HIV infections have declined globally, the SADC region still accounts for 75% of global infections among adolescents and young people4 . Negative socio-cultural norms, social and economic inequalities, sexual violence, child, forced and early marriage, lack of access to information, services and treatment are key drivers of HIV infection among adolescents and young people in the region.

SRHR programmes are estimated at reaching only 45%-50% of eligible adolescents and young people. Laws, systems and services related to SRHR are inadequately implemented despite the number of commitments expressed by governments in international and regional human rights and SRHR instruments.

Objectives Adolescents and young people are better able to exercise their sexual reproductive health and rights, protect themselves from HIV infection and if infected stay on ART for continued viral suppression.
Target groups

Primary Target group: Adolescents and young people including those living with HIV.

Secondary target group: Change agents which include; teachers, health service providers, youth workers, young peer educators, traditional authorities, policy makers, law enforcement agents and parents.

Medium-term outcomes

The following outcomes5 which take a holistic and integrated approach to SRHR, HIV and gender equality are expected:

  • Improved support for at least 100,000 adolescents and young people living with HIV;
  • Improved attitudes towards adolescents and young people’s access to SRHR services;
  • Increased and inclusive access to gender transformative SRHR systems;
  • Increased capacities for at least 450 youths and 50 youth-led organisations to impact positively on SRHR systems;
  • Increased availability, accessibility and use of SRHR data.
Results

Expected results:  

  • At least 150,000 adolescents and young people have increased access to HCT;
  • 220,000 adolescents and young people access youth friendly sexual and reproductive health services;
  • At least 90% of adolescents and young people in outreach area living with HIV have increased access to support for treatment adherence;
  • 180,000 adolescents and young people have increased access to modern contraceptives;
  • 38 Civil Society Organisations in four countries have generated data contributing to improved national SRHR and HIV data.


Results from previous phases:  

Since 2009, the most significant changes at outcome level that could be attributed to SAT’s interventions included:

  • An increased demand for services such as HIV counselling and testing (HCT), family planning, antenatal care (ANC) and cervical cancer screening. 512,000 adolescents and young people benefited from these services;
  • 362,400 young people benefitted from HCT and know their status in the outreach area;
  • An improved adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) amongst 18,000 young mothers and female sex workers;
  • A reduction in stigma and discrimination in relation to HIV;
  • 800,000 young women accessed modern contraceptives.


Directorate/federal office responsible SDC
Credit area Development cooperation
Project partners Contract partner
International or foreign NGO


Other partners
Sida, SADC, SADC-PF, EAC, EANNASO, AFRIYAN, INERELA, District authorities
Coordination with other projects and actors
Safeguard  Young  People  (UNFPA);  HIV  in Prisons (VSO);  Care and Support for Teaching and Learning (MiET); Strengthening Social  Accountability and Oversight in Health and Agriculture (AAI); Ministries of Education and Health
Budget Current phase Swiss budget CHF    7’728’800 Swiss disbursement to date CHF    7’158’402
Project phases

Phase 4 01.04.2018 - 31.12.2021   (Completed)

Phase 3 01.10.2014 - 31.03.2018   (Completed) Phase 2 01.11.2010 - 30.09.2014   (Completed) Phase 1 01.01.2009 - 31.03.2011   (Completed)