UNICEF supports sensitization of adolescents on prevention of HIV and COVID-19
With the onset of the COVID19 pandemic, CATS have changed their program to engage adolescents on COVID using WhatsApp groups and Facebook.
UNICEF in partnership with Super Buddies Club, Ministry of Health Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) unit and Save the Children support Community Adolescent Treatment Supporters (CATS) who work in communities to provide information to adolescents on HIV prevention and treatment in order to ensure that adolescents are empowered and resilient to make informed choices for prevention of HIV, Sexual and Gender Based Violence and are able to access HIV and SRH services and commodities.
“I have learnt a lot on COVID 19 especially on how to protect myself and the next person from contracting the virus. The Club has further provided me with a face mask and hand sanitizer to lessen my chances of getting the virus as I visit adolescents in my community”
With the onset of the COVID19 pandemic, CATS have changed their program to engage adolescents on COVID using WhatsApp groups and Facebook. Pamphlets and posters on COVID have also been developed and are disseminated by the adolescent supporters to community shops. CATS are working in six communities in the Lubombo region. All the community adolescent treatment supporters have been provided with protective gear including face masks, gloves and sanitizers.
“I have learnt a lot on COVID 19 especially on how to protect myself and the next person from contracting the virus. The Club has further provided me with a face mask and hand sanitizer to lessen my chances of getting the virus as I visit adolescents in my community” remarked Nompilo Mdluli who is one of the adolescent supporters.
The Community Adolescent Treatment Supporters will be conducting an assessment on the impact of COVID-19 on children and adolescents in the six communities where the CATS are active.
UNICEF is supporting local NGOs and Ministry of Health to provide the right information and protection to adolescents and young people.
