WHAT THE DISCUSSION GUIDE IS ALL ABOUT
Partnership to Inspire, Transform and Connect the HIV response (PITCH) is a 5-year programme (2016 -2020) in the policy framework dialogue and dissent of the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It’s a strategic partnership between AidsFonds the International HIV/AIDS Alliance and the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The programme purposes to fight AIDS in 9 countries including Nigeria that are most affected by HIV with a focus on key populations (KP) and adolescents girls and young women (AGYW). It targets LGBT and PWUD communities and AGYW living with HIV/AIDS. The AGYW focused component of the project in Nigeria is coordinated by 3 partners; Education as a Vaccine (EVA), Association for Positive Living with HIV/ AIDS (APYIN) and Association of Women Living with HIV/AIDS in Nigeria (ASWHAN).
It focuses on addressing issues of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) of AGYW in the FCT and Benue State. It aims at achieving the following: lowering the age of consent for accessing SRHR + HIV services for AGYW; ensure an increase in the provision and access to youth-friendly services for AGYW; advocate for an increase in the release of domestic resources as well as international/external funding of SRHR and HIV services for AGYW. Through the project, the 3 partners have built the capacity of adolescents and young people who are known as Youth Advocate Group (YAG) on advocacy, positive living and basic human rights. One of the roles the YAG will play in the implementation of the project is the facilitation of support group meetings. In order for them to do this effectively, this manual that will serve as a discussion guide is developed. This Discussion Guide will act as a resource for the YAG throughout their participation in the project and beyond. It will enable them to continue to develop their skills and to train others in the following areas: Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights and Rights Violation Redress, Leadership and Communication; Positive Health, Dignity and Prevention; Positive Living, Disclosure and Dignity among others. Download the Discussion Guide here