Pathways to Progress (P2P)

Date Published: 

Pathways to Progress (P2P): Empowering Youth and Families in Mozambique improve Access to Healthcare and Social Support for People Affected by HIV and Other Social Challenges in Mozambique
Based on UNICEF Mozambique: Mozambique’s most precious resource is its children. Their well-being and prosperity are inseparable from those of the country. The population of Mozambique is young: two thirds of the country’s 32 million people are under the age of 25 years, and more than half are children. Great strides have been made in their service, but there is still much work to be done to protect their rights and secure their present and future.
Mozambique has the third largest burden of new HIV infections and the third largest population of people living with HIV globally. In 2020, 28,000 adolescent girls and young women were infected with HIV. A total of 210,000 children and adolescents are living with HIV in Mozambique, and AIDS is the leading cause of adolescent death. There is also a need to increase coverage of immunization services: the proportion of children receiving the first dose of the diphtheria, pertussis, and tetanus (DPT) vaccine fell from 91 per cent to 67 per cent between 2019 and 2022, and the country has been affected by polio, measles, and cholera outbreaks. Mozambique is a country of great potential, with a young population and abundant resources. It is a country where, thanks to commitment, partnership and judicious investment, important progress has been made in improving the lives of children.
As a dedicated advocate for the well-being of vulnerable populations in Mozambique, I am compelled to address the pressing health and social challenges faced by those affected by HIV and other related issues. In light of Mozambique's status as having the third largest burden of new HIV infections globally, coupled with alarming statistics on adolescent HIV infections and low immunization coverage rates, it is imperative that comprehensive interventions be implemented to mitigate the impact of these health crises and improve the overall quality of life for affected individuals.
Mission: Our mission is to address the pressing health and social challenges faced by individuals affected by HIV and other related issues in Mozambique, through comprehensive interventions aimed at enhancing access to healthcare services, promoting HIV prevention and treatment programs, strengthening immunization coverage, and addressing social determinants of health.
Vision: We envision a Mozambique where all individuals, regardless of their social or health status, have equitable access to quality healthcare services, social support networks, and opportunities for personal and community empowerment, leading to improved health outcomes and overall well-being.
Objectives:
Enhanced Access to Healthcare Services:
• Establish mobile healthcare clinics to reach remote and underserved communities.
• Provide free HIV testing and counseling services.
• Strengthen existing healthcare infrastructure.
Comprehensive HIV Prevention and Treatment Programs:
• Implement community-based HIV education and awareness campaigns.
• Offer comprehensive antiretroviral therapy (ART) programs.
• Provide psychosocial support services.
Strengthening Immunization Coverage:
• Collaborate with local healthcare authorities to improve immunization coverage rates.
• Conduct targeted vaccination campaigns in high-risk areas.
• Train healthcare workers on vaccine administration and cold chain management.
Addressing Social Determinants of Health:
• Establish community empowerment programs.
• Provide vocational training and economic empowerment initiatives.
• Advocate for policy changes and increased investment in social welfare programs.
Expected Outcomes: The Pathways to Progress (P2P) project is proposed to reach over 1,000 students from rural communities through targeted life skills and leadership sessions in schools, as well as over 50 families through family support and empowerment initiatives, where will be:
1. Increased uptake of HIV testing and treatment services.
2. Enhanced immunization coverage rates.
3. Improved access to healthcare services and social support networks.
4. Strengthened partnerships for sustainability and scalability.
Project Activities:
Life and Leadership Skills Sessions in Local Schools:
I. Collaborate with local educational authorities to identify schools.
II. Design and implement interactive sessions tailored to students' needs.
III. Conduct sessions in partnership with trained facilitators.
IV. Monitor and evaluate session impact.
Community Outreach and Engagement:
I. Organize community mobilization events.
II. Facilitate workshops and discussions with parents and caregivers.
III. Distribute informational materials on HIV prevention and healthcare services.
Family Support and Empowerment:
I. Identify vulnerable families affected by HIV and social challenges.
II. Provide targeted support services, including counseling and economic empowerment.
III. Facilitate peer support groups and mentorship programs.
Capacity Building and Sustainability:
I. Train local educators, community leaders, and youth volunteers.
II. Establish community-based support networks and resource centers.
III. Advocate for policy reforms and increased investment in youth development programs.
Through these integrated activities, the Pathways to Progress (P2P) project aims to empower individuals and families affected by HIV and other social challenges in Mozambique, fostering a culture of health, resilience, and sustainable development within communities.
Pathways to Progress (P2P)