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i-BreakFree
I want to express my gratitude to the #i-BreakFree project for its encouragement and education, particularly regarding my health. During the HIV prevention sessions, I learned about the benefits of PrEP for young people as a preventive measure against HIV. After being screened and referred for HIV testing, I was happy to start my PrEP journey, which reduces my risk of contracting HIV and empowers me to make informed health decisions by getting tested regularly. Additionally, being a member of the Ruacana Boys and Girls Club gives me the courage to raise my child well and to reach out to other young mothers and fathers to promote good parenting skills and practices.
Himedhimbi Kawiyu, 21
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The i-BreakFree project is implemented with funding from the Global Fund through GC7 cycle of 2024 to 2026.
The i-BreakFree Project
The i-BreakFree Project, is funded by The Global Fund through the Ministry of Health and Social Services over a three-year cycle of 2024 to 2026. The project operates exclusively in hard-to-reach areas of the Omusati and Ohangwena regions, providing Sexual Reproductive Health education, with a primary focus on HIV prevention for Adolescent Girls and Young Women (AGYW) aged 15 – 24.
The project aims to empower AGYW who are at high risk of HIV infection with sexual and reproductive health information and linkage to services including but not limited to HTS, PrEP, PEP, GBV-F services, FP, Cancer screening, PSS, Counselling, Legal services and economic empowerment initiatives in the hard to reach areas of Ohangwena and Omusati regions.
Interventions
HIV Prevention Package
i-BreakFree offers a comprehensive HIV Prevention Package designed to increase awareness, accessibility, and the uptake of vital health and non-health services. We conduct peer-to-peer information sharing sessions aimed at educating young people about HIV transmission, prevention strategies, and the importance of regular HIV testing.
The objective is to empower young people through health education, support, and accessible healthcare services, ultimately reducing the rates of new HIV infections. We believe that informed young people can make informed health decisions, leading to a more vibrant and resilient community.
Risk Assessment and Referrals
The i-BreakFree Project is dedicated to enhancing the health and safety of young people through comprehensive risk screening and timely referral to relevant services. This initiative primarily focuses on HIV and STI screening, as well as Gender-Based Violence (GBV).
Confidentiality and privacy are ensured during screening sessions to allow AGYW to discuss their reproductive health concerns without fear of judgment. Screening helps identify those at risk to ensure that they receive appropriate health and non-health services.
Number of AGYW Reached 3604
Number of AGYW Screened 3604 (100%)
Number of AGYW Identified 2124 (59%)
High Risk AGYW referred for services 2092 (98%)
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Condom Distribution
Our primary message encourages young people to abstain from sexual activity until they are mature enough to negotiate safe sex. However, condom distribution remains a vital part of our efforts to promote safe sex practices and reduce the risk of HIV transmission among sexually active youth.
A total of 26,182 male condoms were distributed to Adolescent Girls and Young Women, and their sexual partners.
Teen Mothers and Fathers Clubs
Teenage pregnancy and parenthood can pose significant challenges for young parents, including social stigma, limited access to education and employment opportunities, financial strain, and a lack of support networks. The Teen Mothers’ and Fathers’ Clubs are designed to meet the unique needs of young parents by providing safe spaces where they can come together, share experiences, receive economic and psychosocial support, access resources, and engage in activities that promote their well-being, parenting skills, and social inclusion.
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A total of six Teen Mothers’ and Fathers’ Clubs have been established and meet every second month. The project currently runs three Clubs in the Omusati Region and three in the Ohangwena Region
Economic Empowerment
The project offers training initiatives aimed at equipping vulnerable AGYW and ABYM with essential business skills and entrepreneurship knowledge. These seminars provide participants with practical training, guidance, and resources to start or improve their businesses, thereby enhancing their economic empowerment and livelihood opportunities.
Additionally, eligible AGYW and ABYM are trained on AflaYouth, a program or curriculum designed to enhance economic resilience, with the intention to implement the Siyakha model.
The Siyakha model focuses on building economic empowerment and resilience among young people, equipping them with skills, knowledge, and resources to improve their livelihoods and economic prospects.
The project is also conducting a mapping exercise of existing Youth Credit Schemes which link s young people to financial mechanisms or programs specifically designed to provide credit, loans, or financial assistance to young people, typically aimed at supporting their entrepreneurial ventures, education, or other income-generating activities.
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By The Numbers
Community Sensitisation and Advocacy
Community Sensitisation Meetings on PrEP for HIV Prevention - Community engagement efforts aimed at disseminating accurate information about PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) for HIV Prevention targeting traditional leaders, teachers, parents, and sexual partners of adolescent girls and young women (AGYW).
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​Community Leaders from 8 constituencies in the Omusati and Ohangwena regions have been sensitised on PrEP use for HIV Prevention and all 24 constituencies in the Omusati and Ohangwena regions will be sensitised by the end of the project.
Sensitisation Meetings for Correctional Staff
To promote Adolescent Girls and Young Women (AGYW) inmates' access to justice and linkages to other services, the project conducts training sessions for correctional staff, aimed at enhancing their awareness of available services and resources that AGYW can benefit from, ensuring they are linked to the appropriate support systems.
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A total of sixteen (16) female inmates and four (4) Correctional Officers from Oluno Correctional Facility have been sensitised so far.
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Ms. Shasheeda Mberira, a former Clinical Psychologist at One Economy Foundation, during a sensitization meeting on Linkages to Mental Health and other health services, at Oluno Rehabilitation Facility on 11 July 2024.
Training of Service Providers & Health Care Workers on HIV, SGBV, Adolescent & Family Health Services, PrEP and HPV
The purpose of this training is to equip health care workers vital skills and knowledge about HIV, sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV), adolescent and family health services (AFHS), pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), and preventing human papillomavirus (HPV). This will help them give better care and support to young people in their communities.
a total of 40 service providers and Health Care Workers were trained.
School Support Programme
This programme is aimed at empowering Adolescent Girls and Young Women (AGYW) and Adolescent Boys and Young Men (ABYM) economically by alleviating financial barriers that may hinder access to education and completion of education. A total of ninety (90) learners from eight (8) schools in the Omusati & Ohangwena regions benefited from the school allowance program whereby learners were provided with school uniforms, stationeries, hostel fees, and were enrolled in after school tutoring classes.
Number of learners per school who benefited from the school allowance programme:
School Name | Constituency | Region | Number of Beneficiaries |
|---|---|---|---|
Oshikunde Combined School | Okongo | Ohangwena | 20 |
Otunganga Combined School | Omulonga | Ohangwena | 5 |
Mwadikange Kaulinge SSS | Ondobe | Ohangwena | 5 |
UN Nghaamwa Secondary School | Ongenga | Ohangwena | 5 |
Niilo Taapopi Secondary School | Okahao | Omusati | 15 |
Haudano Secondary School | Okalongo | Omusati | 10 |
David Sheehama Secondary School | Outapi | Omusati | 15 |
Uahekua Herunga Primary School | Ruacana | Omusati | 15 |
Key Achievements
i-BreakFree Project: 2022 – 2023
The i-BreakFree Project, supported by the Global Fund through the Ministry of Health and Social Services, successfully implemented a 16-month initiative to reduce HIV risk among Adolescent Girls and Young Women (AGYW). The project focused on strengthening AGYW resilience by addressing health challenges and providing Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) services in the Omusati and Ohangwena regions.
Key achievements included awareness-raising and outreach programs targeting both in-school and out-of-school youth, with a primary focus on HIV prevention and promoting help-seeking behaviours.
Impact by the numbers
42 125 AGYW reached with SRHR and HIV Prevention Package information
680 (252%) AGYW tested for HIV & know their HIV status
90% HIV-positive AGYW initiated on ART
100% of AGYW retained in care
150 youth ambassadors trained
52 Community Leaders sensitized on SRHR
40 School principals and Life Skills teachers trained on SRHR
6 Dialogues successfully convened
Meet Our Peer Educators
The project conducted a capacity-building workshop for Peer Educators aimed at equipping them with knowledge and skills related to human rights and legal literacy, particularly as they pertain to the needs and rights of AGYW aged 15-24 years. Peer educators play a vital role in delivering accurate information, providing support, and advocating for the rights of their peers, including access to healthcare, education, and protection from discrimination and violence.
Capacity-Building Workshop
for Peer Educators
The project conducted a capacity-building workshop for Peer Educators aimed at equipping them with knowledge and skills related to human rights and legal literacy, particularly as they pertain to the needs and rights of AGYW aged 15-24 years.
Peer educators play a vital role in delivering accurate information, providing support, and advocating for the rights of their peers, including access to healthcare, education, and protection from discrimination and violence.
The i-BreakFree project is implemented with funding from the Global Fund through GC7 cycle of 2024 to 2026.