Conclusions
AIDS, ’ HIV care and treatment practices.
AIDS, SAID
Allowing youth to change their narrative from one of being “alone” and “scared” to having a family and confidence in their future, combined with an understanding of how ART works, can positively influence their ability to manage their HIV. One of the authors (JAD) had the honor of hearing Dr. Jonathan Mann, the first Director of the World Health Organization’s Global Programme on AIDS, speak in 1997 and he said something to the effect that before giving a youth a condom (to protect themselves from HIV) you need to give them a future. Project YES! was built on the premise that the greatest experts available to help AYA living with HIV achieve health outcomes and general wellness are young adults living with HIV. This study shows how addressing HIV is not only about medication; it is about self-worth, identity, and a sense of community. The program helped many accept their HIV status, develop greater feelings of self-worth, and reduce their fear and shame of living with HIV. Interacting with YPM and other peers living with HIV in both individual and group sessions helped the youth realize that they are not alone with their HIV status. Together, these findings reinforce the added value of using peer mentors in clinic settings to strengthen youths’ HIV care and treatment practices. They highlight that in order to make progress with addressing HIV among young people globally, we need to integrate personal and community agency into our programs and efforts.