APIN Plateau State & Plateau State Ministry of Health Host Youth Funfair to Improve Paediatric and Adolescent HIV Case-finding

Most HIV/AIDS programs and interventions are focused on reaching adults. Children and adolescents, a vulnerable group, are often left out and thus, underserved. To achieve HIV epidemic control by 2030, we need to specifically target this group. Children and adolescents living with HIV must be identified, linked to treatment and followed up to ensure that they achieve viral suppression. Recently, the Clinical Services, Prevention & Community Services and Health Systems Strengthening teams in our Plateau Office collaborated with the Plateau State Ministry of Health to conduct an event-based Community HIV testing program for 300 young people to increase their access to HIV testing and antiretroviral treatment in line with the HIV Surge strategy. The participants watched clips from the HIV/ sexual and reproductive health (SRH) awareness show, MTV Shuga and had discussions and awareness talks on SRH-related topics. At the end of the event, consenting adolescents were tested for HIV and those found positive were linked to treatment at APIN-supported facilities