Children and adolescents are tested for HIV through HIV testing and counselling services at clinics, youth outreaches, and prevention activities.
In 2015, 1,607 adolescents aged 10-19 years were offered testing, with 82 children and 125 adolescents testing HIV positive. In 2015, ROM provided care for 570 children and 383 adolescents.
Bread of Life Adolescent Camp
ROM organizes occasional camps for children and adolescents living with HIV. 98 HIV-positive children aged 11-18 attended a 5-day camp in 2015 (pictured above) that focused on enhancing coping skills, self-esteem, personal growth and life skills. Activities included one-on-one counselling, role plays, testimonies, games, and arts and crafts. Afterwards, the children reported that the camp made them feel better about their HIV-positive status:
“I now know how to respond to other children at school, when they tell me that I am HIV-positive. I will not miss school again because of my status,” one camper remarked.
Following the camp, 5 HIV-positive adolescents and youth shared their experiences growing and living with HIV on Radio Maria.
