Education Fights AIDS Cameroon

Top Donation $2500.00

Average Donation $363.39

About EFA

Each year, EFA reaches thousands of men, women, and youth in outreach sessions throughout the Far North Region of Cameroon. In a marginalized part of the country where poverty and illiteracy challenge families, it is paramount that people receive accurate and relevant information for HIV prevention. EFA’s peer educators undergo a 6-month training in basic biology and sexual health, gender, and communication skills to provide effective outreach. Help EFA to empower an AIDS-free generation!

Challenge

Over 500,000 people in Cameroon are HIV-positive. According to the most recent Demographic and Health Survey, only one-third of Cameroonian youth know how to prevent HIV transmission, and only 11% had received an HIV test in the last year. Affording and accessing HIV services is very difficult for poor, rural youth; stigma in their communities is high. This project will continue to provide community-based HIV services to over 20,000 youth in rural communities in northern Cameroon.

Solution

EFA’s peer educators give youth and families critical knowledge for HIV prevention, gender-based violence, and family health. Thanks to EFA’s partnership with health facilities throughout the region, they also help connect communities to HIV and sexual health services (including prevention of mother-to-child transmission), education, testing, referrals, home-based care, and counseling.

Long-Term Impact

HIV+ youth and families will access testing, treatment, and care. Communities will be better educated to prevent HIV. Stigma against HIV+ people will decrease. HIV+ individuals will be leaders in their communities and live healthier, more productive lives.