Transforming Adolescent HIV Care in Malawi: The Impact of the Teen Club Project

Since January 2024, Emmanuel International Canada, with funding from the Rotary Club of Uxbridge, Ontario, has been empowering adolescents in Malawi through the Teen Club project. Implemented across five health facilities—Chiendausiku, Kwitanda, Utale 2, Nandumbo, and Namanolo in Balaka District—the project aligns with the Ministry of Health's 95-95-95 goals set by the United Nations, offering specialized care for Adolescents Living with HIV (ALHIV) aged 10 to 19 years.

Supporting Global HIV/AIDS Goals

The 95-95-95 goals are ambitious targets set by the United Nations to end the HIV/AIDS epidemic:

• 95% of all people living with HIV know their HIV status.
• 95% of all people who know their HIV status are on antiretroviral therapy (ART).
• 95% of all people receiving ART achieve viral suppression.

Addressing Critical Gaps in Adolescent HIV Care

Before the establishment of Teen Club, there was no specific care model for ALHIV in Malawi, leading to critical gaps in support. Adolescents face numerous challenges, including:

• Poor adherence to Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) and elevated viral loads.
• Limited knowledge of HIV management and sexual and reproductive health (SRH).
• Lack of peer support networks contributes to social isolation.

The Teen Club project effectively addressed these challenges by offering structured monthly or quarterly weekend clinics, providing both medical and psychosocial support.

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Key Achievements of the Teen Club Project

• Improved ART Adherence & Viral Load Suppression:
  Through the provision of refreshments during club sessions, the project fostered a welcoming environment that encouraged consistent attendance. This led to improved adherence to ART and better viral load suppression rates.
• Capacity Building for Mentors:
  Mentors received comprehensive training and lunch allowances, enabling them to effectively guide adolescents in HIV management, SRH, and family planning. This effort bridged critical knowledge gaps and empowered participants to make informed health decisions.
• Educational & Recreational Resources:
  The project supplied educational materials to enhance knowledge and recreational materials to promote engagement and a sense of belonging among participants.
  

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Impact and Milestones

• Enhanced Self-Esteem and Health Outcomes:
  The project conducted 109 out of 113 planned club meetings, reaching over 300 children per quarter. These sessions significantly improved participants' self-esteem and clinical outcomes.
• Peer Support Networks: Over the past three years, bi-quarterly club meetings fostered positive relationships, creating a strong peer support system for ALHIV.
• Improved ART Access & Retention:
  Surpassing the enrollment target of 336, the project enrolled 347 adolescents and achieved a remarkable 99% retention rate, demonstrating its effectiveness in keeping ALHIV engaged in care.
  
• Viral Load Suppression Progress: An average viral load suppression rate of 84% was achieved. This was made possible through adherence health education and active engagement of 258 caregivers to support treatment adherence.
• Resource Mobilization:
  The project successfully raised funds to procure clothing and scabies
   medication, addressing the additional needs of the adolescents and enhancing their overall well-being.

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A Successful Handover and Looking Ahead

In December 2024, Emmanuel International Malawi conducted a seamless handover to the Balaka District Health Office (DHO) as the project phased out. The DHO expressed deep gratitude for the impactful work carried out by Emmanuel International Malawi, acknowledging the significant role of Teen Clubs in addressing challenges faced by adolescents.

Expanding to Zomba District in 2025

Building on this success, the Uxbridge Rotary Club is supporting initiatives in 2025 targeting five additional health facilities in Zomba District. The project aims to reach 400 adolescents and 60 healthcare workers, further strengthening HIV care for youth in Malawi.

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Continuing the Journey of Hope and Health

The Teen Club project demonstrates the power of collaboration and community support in transforming the lives of adolescents living with HIV. By empowering youth with knowledge, peer support, and comprehensive healthcare, Emmanuel International Canada and the Rotary Club of Uxbridge are paving the way for a healthier, more hopeful future in Malawi.