Provide Tech Health Solutions for Nigerian Youth

Thank you for coming to our school, I have really learnt so much, I saw the female condom for the first time. Ramsey, Male 21years

I am usually shy to talk to people about my reproductive health, especially about menstruation. I really appreciate your help. Tiama, Female 17years

3.1 million Nigerians are living with HIV and half of this figure living with HIV are Adolescents and Young People (AYP) aged 15 – 24 years. According to Nigeria Demographic Health Survey (NDHS) 2013, men are more knowledgeable about preventing HIV than women. More than half of women (54%) and 70% of men that took part in the survey knew that using condoms and limiting sexual intercourse to one uninfected partner can reduce the risk of contracting HIV. Also, from a literature review of AYP on sexual and reproductive health, 15 – 24 years, 16% females versus 6% males had their first sexual intercourse before age15, and that 22% of male and 11% of female youth (15-24) reported using condom at first sexual intercourse. 

In our quest to empower more adolescents and young people with accurate and non-judgmental sexual and reproductive health (SRH) information to help them make informed decisions, we participated in this year’s University of Abuja 3-days trade fair. Our objectives were to educate and provide the participants with factual sexual and reproductive health information through one-on-one discussions, distribution of educative materials, and demonstration of the correct use of both the male and female condoms. Apart from providing the participants with accurate SRH information during the three days fair, we also distributed free male condoms, branded t-shirts, notepads and water bottles to interested students.

In total, 1000 students between the ages 15-24 were provided with accurate information on SRH as well as the demonstration of the correct use of male and female condoms. They were also sensitized on how to get SRH information, counseling and linkage to youth-friendly services through the use of MyQuestion service and Mobile apps. 82% of the females reached were young people between 15-24years, while males were 77%. 31% of the questions asked were on sexual and reproductive issues including HIV and sexual relationships. 44% wanted to know more about the service.

You our donors made all of these possible through your kind donations, we truly appreciate your support.

HIV prevention through mobile technology

"Can I get HIV if a person who is infected with HIV cuts himself or herself and puts the blood in food?"

"If mosquito bites a person who is infected with HIV and then bites me will I get HIV?"

"I am HIV positive and I don’t know what to do…"

"If someone has HIV, how would they feel?"

Can I get HIV if I share clothes with an HIV infected person?

These are typical question concerning HIV received on the MyQuestion service platform.

New HIV infections among adolescents and young people are not declining as quickly as among other age groups. Although major advances have been made in almost every area towards the response to HIV related issues, progress for adolescents and young people is still falling behind. The interest of adolescents and young people in technology has peaked with the introduction of mobile phones, internet and social media. Many HIV interventions focusing on adolescents and young people are increasingly incorporating technology-based platforms to reach more and diverse youth populations.

However, in Nigeria, HIV prevalence among adolescents aged 15-19 is estimated to be 2.9%, and 3.2% among young people aged 20-24. Young women are the most affected by HIV with 3.7% of those aged 20-24 living with HIV, compared to 2.4% among their male counterparts.

Over the years, the MyQuestion service have received a lot of questions revolving around HIV/AIDS from adolescents and young people. It has continued to provide factual information on these issues.

This time, in commemoration of the 2017 World AIDS Day, the MyQuestion Service team carried out various activities in the last quarter through educative posts like HIV risk reduction tips on Facebook, facts about HIV/AIDS through bulk SMS, and interactive sessions with adolescents and young people. All of these activities were conducted to debunk myths surrounding HIV/AIDS to help reduce new infections among adolescents, and to provide information on HIV prevention. They were educated about where to get tested, and people who tested positive were linked to treatment sites. The aim of these activities were to encourage health-seeking behaviors among adolescents and young people.

Also, an adolescent and youth ‘HANGOUT’  enlightening them about their rights to HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment and sexual and reproductive health services was carried out. 152 adolescents and young people drawn from different schools and communities participated in the hangout. The event provided accurate information on HIV prevention and transmission. It also addressed questions and concerns that were raised by the young people. Young people expressed themselves and their talents through poem recitations, dances and a short play.

Following the various activities carried out around this period, we received a significantly increased number of questions around issues on HIV/AIDS from adolescents and young people. We had a 183.8% increase in the number of questions received around basic facts about HIV, its prevention, transmission, treatment etc. Specifically, there was a 160% increase in questions around basic facts about HIV, 289% about HIV transmission, 83% around HIV Prevention, and 227.3% on HIV testing services, when compared with the previous quarter.

Daily, we provide factual and confidential information to adolescents and young people through your charitable contributions. We are truly thankful for your donations.