Young people often have difficult questions about their health. Who can they turn to for trusted information and support? In Livingstone, the answer is Peer Navigators trained young people who help their peers make informed decisions about their health.
Through the Adolescent and Young People (AYP) Project, 45 Peer Navigators received specialised training. What did they learn? They gained knowledge about HIV prevention, pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) a medicine that helps prevent HIV effective communication with young people and how to connect their peers to appropriate health services.
What difference did the training make? It gave the Peer Navigators more than knowledge; it strengthened their confidence to guide and support other young people.
Loveness, a Peer Navigator from Simoonga Health Facility, shared her experience: “Before the training, I was afraid that I would not be able to answer difficult questions from young people. The training gave me the confidence and knowledge I needed. Now, I am able to guide my peers, help them make informed decisions and connect them to services that can protect their health and future.”
What is happening today? Peer Navigators have become trusted voices in their communities. They are helping young people access HIV testing, initiate PrEP and learn how to protect their health one conversation at a time.
