BACKGROUND

Mozambique has the second highest rate of new HIV infections in the world, with 50% between the ages of 15-34. An estimated 64% of HIV-positive children under 15 are in treatment, compared to 68% for adults, and only 44% of those children are considered virally suppressed. Multiple factors contribute to children’s vulnerability to HIV infection, including extreme poverty, harmful gender norms that drive early sexual initiation and sexual violence, and a lack of HIV prevention knowledge. In Nampula and Cabo Delgado, the prolonged armed conflict has heightened destitution, increased internal displacement, created food shortages, and hindered access to basic healthcare. With 55 percent of the population under the age of 18, the health and well-being of Mozambique’s children is key to its development, and yet they have yet to be fully engaged in helping shift the narrative around gender equality, safeguarding and social inclusion as it pertains to healthcare in this country.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

New local prime AMASI leads a consortium of local and international partners to implement the USAID FILOVC-AMASI project, which improves the health of children and adolescents highly vulnerable to and/or significantly impacted by HIV/AIDS in multiple districts of Nampula and Cabo Delgado provinces. Through this project, male and female adolescents aged 9-14 are engaged in 24 skills-based sessions to learn about HIV, sexual and gender-based violence, decision making and communication skills to make healthy life choices. Girls and young women aged 10-24 are invited to participate in conversations with their peers in safe spaces to build their confidence, learn about HIV and violence prevention, and gain financial literacy skills to support their livelihoods. They receive age-appropriate clinical sexual and reproductive health services and other complementary support. Vulnerable children (and their families) identified at local health clinics and in their communities receive access to HIV testing and treatment, enrollment in savings groups and other economic support, help with schoolwork and school integration, among other services. Youth from traditionally stigmatized and marginalized groups – such as girls/young women, youth living with HIV, and internally displaced youth – are actively engaged in the implementation of project activities. USAID FILOVC-AMASI works with stakeholders at all levels – beneficiaries, community members, CSOs, government officials at all levels – to strengthen national child protection systems and therefore reduce HIV infections and improve children’s lives. 

EXPECTED RESULTS AND IMPACTS

•  Mozambique’s orphans and vulnerable children receive access to quality services that decrease their HIV infection rates and improve their quality of life. 
• Adolescents and youth women will have gained the tools and confidence to reduce behaviors that place them at risk of HIV infection. 
• High-risk children and adolescents are healthy, stable, safe, and schooled, enabling them to envision a brighter future.