The Power of Peer-Centric, High-Impact Approaches Toward Achieving Gains Along the HIV Care Continuum for Adolescents Living with HIV in Uganda

Overview

ViiV Breakthrough in Uganda

With the overarching aim of re-invigorating focus on pediatric and adolescent HIV service delivery, the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation (EGPAF) — in coordination with implementation partners PATA, Aidsfonds, UNICEF, and ELMA Philanthropies — implements and facilitates the ViiV Breakthrough project in Uganda. EGPAF works alongside partners to support quality technical assistance in 30 ViiV Breakthrough-supported facilities across nine districts in the third project year. The project in Uganda focuses on making progress concerning the third 95 target, concentrating on achieving viral load (VL) suppression among children and adolescents living with HIV (CALHIV). EGPAF aims to increase access to quality psychosocial support (PSS) services; improve adherence to treatment utilizing peer-led and driven models; and prioritize meaningfully engaging communities and critical stakeholders — including peers and caregivers — for CALHIV.

Peer-Centric Approaches

EGPAF in Uganda implements various peer-based approaches tailored towards providing client-centered services for young people, caregivers, and communities. ViiV Breakthrough was designed to leverage and integrate patient centered interventions and to engage with existing community structures. The project recognizes that engaging with individuals, including adolescents, is an entry point to engaging with their broader family unit. Furthermore, in acknowledging that adolescents are influenced and affected by their environment and peers, EGPAF in Uganda strategically implements tailored engagement, empowerment, and capacity-building activities for caregivers and advocacy activities with the broader community.