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'We'll Come to You' - HIV Prevention Project Takes Services to Schools

  • 18.03.2025 05:35
  • msn.com
  • Keywords: HIV prevention, Mobile Clinics

The Desmond Tutu HIV Foundation’s FAST PrEP project brings mobile HIV prevention clinics to Cape Town schools, offering services like PrEP pills and injections to adolescents. The program uses social media influencers to promote its message and has reached over 14,000 young people since August 2022.

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Desmond Tutu HIV Foundation

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The Desmond Tutu HIV Foundation is running the FAST PrEP project which provides mobile clinics to schools in Cape Town offering HIV prevention services. They have successfully reached over 14,000 young people with their interventions.

Context

Analysis of HIV Prevention Project (FAST PrEP) in Cape Town

Key Facts and Data Points

  • Project Reach: Over 14,000 adolescents and young people reached since August 2022.
  • Target Demographics: Focus on adolescent girls and young women aged 15–24 years, who are disproportionately at risk of HIV infection.
  • PrEP Uptake:
    • 8,500 PrEP initiates were adolescent girls and young women.
    • 74% of PrEP users chose the long-acting injection (Cab-LA) over oral pills or vaginal rings due to discreetness, longer protection, and fewer side effects.

Market Trends

  • Mobile Clinic Model:

    • Four roving mobile clinics provide HIV prevention services at schools and community sites in Cape Town.
    • Services include contraceptives, STI treatment, and three types of PrEP (pills, vaginal ring, injection).
    • High demand: Up to 30 patients per day at some sites, with many returning clients.

  • Accessibility and Convenience:

    • Schools and community locations are prioritized for service delivery.
    • Biometric filing system eliminates paperwork and ensures quick access to medical records.

Competitive Dynamics

  • Youth Engagement Strategy:

    • Peer navigators and youth reference groups bridge the gap between the project and young people.
    • Use of social media influencers (e.g., TikTok, Instagram) to make HIV prevention "cool" and relatable.

  • Community Partnerships:

    • Collaborations with schools and local influencers enhance trust and reach.
    • Nurses report passion for health care as a key motivator, differentiating the project from traditional government services.

Strategic Considerations

  • Funding Constraints:

    • Project scalability is limited by funding challenges, despite secure financial backing for current operations.
    • Global funding cuts in healthcare sector pose risks to future expansion.

  • Scalability and Expansion:

    • Interest in expanding to other regions like Khayelitsha exists but depends on resources.
    • The model could serve as a template for similar initiatives globally, particularly in areas with high HIV prevalence.

Long-term Effects

  • Potential Impact:
    • The project has the potential to reduce HIV rates among adolescents and young women if sustained.
    • Long-term success will depend on continued funding, community engagement, and scalability efforts.

Regulatory Impacts

  • School Permissions:
    • Gained approval from the Western Cape Department of Education with conditions (consulting school governing bodies and exempting exam times).
    • Compliance with health regulations ensures safe and effective service delivery.

This analysis highlights the innovative approach of the FAST PrEP project, its strategic focus on youth engagement, and the challenges it faces in scaling up. The model demonstrates a promising strategy for HIV prevention that combines mobile clinics, community outreach, and modern marketing techniques.