On 13 February 2024, YONECO hosted Zimbabwe Youth Advocates during a community activation session that was held at Domasi Institute of Management and Social Sciences in Zomba. The activity was aimed at promoting young people’s access to Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights (#SRHR) services.
The delegates first made a courtesy call to the office of the District Commissioner for Zomba where the visitors appreciated how the use of the toll-free Youth Helpline (3936) has enhanced young people’s access to individualized information, counselling and referrals on #HIV and #AIDS.
The community activation session attracted college students and other young people from the vicinity of the college. The activity was electrified by dynamic live performances by various groups and the YONECO Cultural Troupe. Among other activities, the groups performed plays as well as traditional songs and dances.
The Youth Helpline initiative is being led by Youth Advocates – Zimbabwe with financial support from SADC.
The intervention enables youth access to comprehensive information through a toll-free Youth Helpline (393). Young people voluntarily sign up by texting a short code, or by sending a free “call me back” using mobile phones. Once registered, young people access individualized #HIV and #AIDS as well as #SRHR information services, specialist counselling, referrals to high-impact #HIV services, reminders for their service appointments, and confirmation of service uptake.
