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| Mr
& Mrs Mupeli, who are HIV positive, organise
the annual Ms HIV Stigma Free Pageant. |
Introduction
Founded in 2002 by young people living with HIV
and AIDS (PLWHA) in Botswana, Centre for Youth of
Hope (CEYOHO) has as its primary target group, young
people living with HIV and AIDS.
Mission Statement
“CEYOHO exists as an organization that offers
a new direction of hope and love to young people
infected and affected by HIV/AIDS. CEYOHO does its
work by making it possible for its members to become
responsible role models in responding to the epidemic
in Botswana”.
Programmes and Services
CEYOHO provides care and support to young people
living with HIV and AIDS and educates the general
population on prevention issues and how to live
positively with HIV and AIDS.
The organisation also supports the establishment
of income generating activities by young people
as a strategy to mitigate the socio-economic impact
of HIV/AIDS. CEYOHO is also engaged in community
mobilisation and awareness creation to promote community
participation and involvement in increasing access
to a range of programmes and services including:
antiretroviral (ARV) therapy, Community Home Based
care (CHBC), Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission
(PMTCT), Isoniazid Preventive Therapy (IPT) and
Voluntary Counselling and Testing (VCT). The three
core programmatic strategies are outlined below.
Stigma Reduction
Stigma reduction among young people; especially
those living with HIV and AIDS, is a core programme
focus for CEYOHO. Stigma continues to sustain the
culture of silence among youth who are HIV positive
and, hence, fuels the silent spread of the epidemic.
Stigma has also instilled the fear of rejection,
isolation and discrimination in PLWHA and has, thus,
restricts the utilization of HIV/AIDS related services
provided; including ARV therapy, PMTCT, IPT, CHBC;
and in particular, voluntary counselling & testing
(VCT).
In an effort to de-stigmatize the disease and empower
HIV-positive young people, Ms HIV Stigma Free
Pageant was developed . CEYOHO uses this programmes
as a vehicle to erode the stigma associated with
HIV and AIDS in its multiple dimensions. Miss HIV
Stigma Free brings together HIV-positive women as
contestants in a pageant in which one of them is
chosen as a ‘positive living’ role model.
Working in collaboration with CEYOHO, the winner
of the Ms HIV Stigma Free Pageant becomes
a visible advocate for prevention and de-stigmatization
of HIV/AIDS.
Miss HIV Stigma Free Pageant was recognised
in 2004 as the best community initiative in Africa
by “Initiative Africa” based in France.
Behaviour Change
CEYOHO implements behaviour change programmes targeted
at young people. The level of awareness of HIV and
AIDS in Botswana is estimated at over 90%. However,
this awareness has not translated into desired behaviour
change. Young people continue to expose themselves
to risks that increase their vulnerability to HIV
and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs).
Support Groups
The organisation mobilises young people and facilitates
the formation of youth support groups with particular
emphasis on providing care and support for youth
living with HIV and AIDS; and strengthening their
ability to live positively. The Centre has been
widely acknowledged for its models for engendering
positive living among young people. This is because
CEYOHO programmes confront the underlying causes
of stigma. CEYOHO believes that stigma can be addressed
and overcome; that stigma, can in fact, be eradicated
through the concerted efforts of organizations sharing
a common goal, working together at different levels
and utilising participatory approaches.
Thus, CEYOHO embraces the national aspirations
of Vision 2016 – ‘No new infection.’
The Centre also implements community mobilisation
techniques in areas such as clinics, workplaces,
schools, churches, bars, bus and taxi stations.
For Further information, contact:
CEYOHO, P. O. Box 25211, Gaborone, Botswana (postal
address); Phase II Clinic, Gaborone West; Tel: (+267)
391 9958 (office) Cell (+267) 71763659; E-Mail:
ceyoho@botsnet.bw
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