Young people, and especially young women in Southern Africa experience some of the highest HIV rates in the world. Past prevention programs showed mixed results, often because of low uptake. There is thus a need for a better understanding of how young people perceive “HIV risk” and what are the obstacles for them to use the most effective available options to protect themselves.

This project, coordinated by the Institute of Tropical Medicine of Antwerp in Belgium, includes a research program to better understand the current challenges in HIV prevention. The aim is to provide direct support to community organizations in Zimbabwe by promoting measures for the prevention of HIV and by empowering young women to protect themselves.