Children and young women HIV+ in Uganda face profound mental health challenges ranging from pervasive stigma and discrimination to self-denial, isolation, depression, and in severe cases, suicidal thoughts. One of the ways of extending close assistance to this complex category is to provide tailored mental health services to address the unique needs of this vulnerable group.
For many, the fear of rejection leads to self-denial and reluctance to disclose their HIV status. In Uganda, AVSI introduced peer support groups at health facilities where children and adolescents find a safe space to share their experiences and gain strength from others facing similar struggles, through these groups, young people discover they are not alone and have a supportive network around them.
Beyond peer groups, AVSI program has created a comprehensive support system through accesses to counselling and mental health services, critical resources and offering guided disclosure and post-disclosure support to help the youth navigate the difficult process of sharing their HIV status with trusted individuals, fostering greater acceptance and reducing the fear of stigma.
Recognizing that mental health challenges extend beyond the clinic, AVSI program conducts integrated home visits to address social and economic issues that can contribute to stress and mental health challenges. These visits bring holistic support directly to the home, strengthening the participants foundation for mental well-being. In addition, group therapy sessions at healthcare facilities also provide a structured setting for therapeutic healing, where youth learn practical coping strategies and gain emotional support.
For the young women, our support is more targeted since they often face heightened risks in managing both their mental and physical health. The life skills training during co-curricular activities promotes their self-confidence and decision-making skills, equipping them to face societal pressures. Utilising mental health screening tools we ensure tailored support, and offer interventions specifically designed for their unique vulnerabilities in addition to the peer-to-peer groups which allow the young women to share experiences, reducing isolation, and promoting positive coping mechanisms. Their apprenticeship programs offer practical skills for economic self-reliance hence supporting their mental resilience.
The impact of these interventions brings live stories such as that of nineteen-year-old adolescent from Kirima sub-county who struggled with suicidal thoughts due to neglect from her caregiver when her distress was first noticed by her school administrators. AVSI linked her to psychiatric care as we monitored her progress. Six months later, she resumed school with new hope, illustrating the profound effect that timely and compassionate mental health support can have on a young person’s life.
Play therapy and peer support also helps to build greater confidence and resilience in children and young women who learn to manage emotional distress and gain connections with those facing similar challenges—it becomes a community of support. Caregiver involvement is another fundamental strategy with positive parenting sessions equipping caregivers to offer better support to their children.
Looking to the future, planned improvements such as adolescent-friendly spaces at health facilities where youth can access confidential support and guidance, tailored economic empowerment programs and close collaboration with schools to introduce HIV and mental health awareness activities, deliberate engagement of community leaders and actors in promoting HIV-related services will increase understanding and acceptance, reduce stigma and building a supportive environment for a healthier future for at-risk youth in Uganda.
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