The Joint Programme’s support in western and central Africa continued to sustain the expansion of HIV prevention, testing and treatment services among vulnerable and key populations across the region in 2022-2023. High-impact HIV prevention interventions, capacity building and community empowerment were implemented in several countries.
Western and Central Africa
More than eight million adolescents and young people accessed HIV prevention and self-testing information and services through an initiative backed by the use of artificial intelligence and social media. Access to comprehensive sexuality education improved in 11 countries and several countries received support for inclusion of people living with disabilities in integrated HIV and sexual and reproductive health programmes. Adolescents and young people living with HIV were empowered to participate in community-led service delivery and advocate for inclusive and equitable HIV services, while health-care and social protection programmes were expanded to include people living with or affected by HIV, with technical and financial support from the Joint Programme.
Notable results have also been achieved in providing essential services in humanitarian settings, including to refugees and migrant people living with HIV. Finally, national HIV responses in the region are now stronger and more sustainable thanks to the Joint Programme’s support for evidence generation, community-led responses, including advocacy and leadership, and effective resource mobilization.