Breaking the Silence: Empowering Adolescent Girls and Young Women Living with HIV through Equitable Access to Family Planning in Cameroon
 
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MFOUNDI, Réseau camerounais des adolescents et jeunes positifs, Yaoundé, Cameroon
 
 
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):
 
ABSTRACT
ABSTRACT:
hiv prevalence in cameroon has decreased from 5.3 percent in 2011 to 2.7 percent in 2018, reflecting the impact of national strategies.^1 the unaids 95-95-95 targets aim to eliminate hiv by 2030, emphasizing testing, treatment and viral suppression.^2 despite progress, stigma related to hiv and sexuality remains a major barrier to accessing sexual and reproductive health (ssr) services for adolescent girls and young women living with hiv (ajfvvih) in cameroon. this stigma, often internalized or experienced within families, communities and health facilities, limits their ability to make informed decisions about reproductive health. the intervention was implemented in 10 health districts across the south and east regions of cameroon. peer mentors, themselves young people living with hiv, conducted educational talks, home visits and social media sensitization, while actively referring beneficiaries to partner health facilities. these facilities provided family planning (pf) services in a confidential and non-judgmental environment. post-intervention follow-up collected testimonies to assess changes in self-perception and empowerment.a total of 200 ajfvvih were initiated on pf (31 aged 15–19, 65 aged 20–24, 104 aged 25–30). testimonies revealed increased self-confidence, reduced feelings of shame related to hiv and sexuality, and greater ability to claim reproductive rights. beneficiaries expressed satisfaction with the confidentiality of services and the supportive role of peer mentors.this initiative demonstrates a community-based innovation led by peer mentors that reduces stigma and promotes inclusion of ajfvvih. by strengthening reproductive autonomy and integrating pf into community health services, it contributes to health system sustainability and global hiv elimination goals.
eISSN:2654-1459
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