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FOUND 5
This research paper explores the importance of integrating mental health services into PrEP delivery, based on the experiences of a cohort of South African adolescent girls and young women. Previous research has shown that AGYW who may benefit from PrEP also face high rates of mental disorders. With a focus on integrating mental health treatment as supported by this research, PrEP adherence amongst AGYW may increase signficantly.
This research led to the development of a framework for understanding PrEP stigma among adolescent girls and young women in sub-Saharan Africa. This framework includes potential drivers and facilitators of stigma as well as resulting outcomes and health impacts. It provides insight into effective areas for intervention, and thus is a useful tool for the design and evaluation of future interventions.
UNAIDS report on the global AIDS pandemic 2020 shows that women and girls in sub-Saharan Africa continue to be the most affected and accounted for 59% of all new HIV infections in the region in 2019, with 4500 adolescent girls and young women between 15 and 24 years old becoming infected with HIV every week. Young women accounted for 24% of new HIV infections in 2019, despite making up only 10% of the population in sub-Saharan Africa.
On Zero Discrimination Day this year, UNAIDS is challenging the discrimination faced by women and girls in all their diversity in order to raise awareness and mobilize action to promote equality and empowerment for women and girls.
Across the world, gender inequality, violence, poverty and insecurity continue to stoke excessive HIV risk among women and girls, especially those in marginalized and excluded communities.