Frieda Stefanus
In today’s world, access to accurate and timely health information can mean the difference between thriving and surviving. Nowhere is this more urgent than in the realm of Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH), particularly for adolescent girls and young women (AGYW). Without comprehensive education and youth-friendly services, young people face heightened vulnerability to unintended pregnancies, HIV infection, Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), and gender-based violence (GBV).
Knowledge is power and protection
SRH education equips AGYW with the tools to recognise and reduce health risks. When young people understand how HIV is transmitted, how to access prevention tools like Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) or condoms, and how to seek help for GBV, they are empowered to take proactive steps to protect their health.
Impact in numbers and beyond
Data emerging from community-based SRH programmes since the i-BreakFree Project’s inception in 2022 shows a community-centred approach of bridging the gap between health information, service access, and youth action in accessing health services. Through in-and-out-of-school outreaches, the initiative reached over 42,000 AGYW with SRH information during the first 16 months. Of those reached, 680 AGYW were tested for HIV and now know their status, with 90% of HIV-positive AGYW initiated on Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) and 100% retained in care. Recognising that empowerment extends beyond awareness, i-BreakFree also invested in building a change-driven community of young people. 150 youth ambassadors were trained to lead peer education efforts, while 52 community leaders were sensitised on SRH to reduce myths, misconceptions and create supportive environments for young people. Additionally, 40 school principals and Life Skills teachers received training to enhance their understanding of youth health and continuously create safe, youth-friendly environments for young people.
To amplify young voices, the project convened six regional youth dialogues during this period, providing safe spaces for open conversations on health and social issues. These platforms gaveyoung people the confidence to share their experiences, challenge norms, and collectively develop community-driven solutions.
Data emerging from community-based SRH programmes since the implementation of the i-BreakFree Project’s second cycle in June 2024, underscore both the scale of need and the
effectiveness of timely intervention. In the underserved and densely populated Omusati and Ohangwena regions, outreach between June 2024 and mid-2025 engaged 10,168 adolescent girls and young women. More than half of these participants (6,022, or 59%) were identified as being at high risk of HIV. Nearly all of those at risk (5,801, or 96%) were successfully linked to essential health and social services, including HIV testing and psychosocial support. The outcomes point to more than just service uptake. Through peer-to-peer SRH education, we aim for a qualitative shift to occur, where adolescents and young people are delaying sexual activity, seeking HIV testing earlier, and encouraging their peers to make safer choices. These behavioural changes highlight the transformative role of accurate information and supportive environments in reshaping community health norms.
Looking ahead: Scaling up through digital innovation
As we look forward to the future, scaling digital interventions in a digital era is essential. The next phase of the i-BreakFree Project, an intervention supported by the Global Fund, will invest in SRH digital hubs in the two regions, aiming to expand access to SRH information in real-time. These platforms will offer safe, youth-centred, tech-enabled access to health education and services, bridging the gap in remote and underserved areas.
As health information increasingly moves online, digital platforms offer an important avenue to expand reach. Digital hubs and mobile solutions can help overcome barriers to distance, stigma, and limited service availability, particularly in rural and underserved areas. This is why the next phase of the i-BreakFree Project will invest in SRH Digital Hubs.
To truly protect and empower our youth, we must invest in youth-led, evidence-based SRH programmes that integrate technology, centre community voices, and promote gender equality.
When such programmes are in place, the ripple effects extend far beyond health outcomes to supporting education, empowerment, and economic resilience. As one young participant shared: “Having access to health information empowers us to make better choices. You and your health matter.” Indeed, informed youth make informed decisions about their sexual health, their future, and their communities.
*Frieda Stefanus is the national coordinator of the i-BreakFree project at the One Economy Foundation.
