Targeted Community Programs

The face of the HIV epidemic in Malawi has evolved, with the majority of new infections occurring in youth, especially girls and young women. In addition, there remain 530,000 children under 18 who have been orphaned due to HIV; orphans are at higher risk for neglect, abuse and exploitation. And rates of HIV testing among men lag behind those of women, placing men at higher risk of remaining undiagnosed and unknowingly transmitting the infection, as well as increasing their risk of AIDS-related death.

To respond to these changes, GAIA has developed Targeted Community Programs, which retains the community focus of GAIA Villages, while prioritizing rural populations most at risk for HIV.

Program elements include:

1. HIV prevention among youth and other high-risk populations through psychosocial and educational support,
2. Youth-focused, evidence-based programming that uses soccer, games and song to increase awareness and agency around HIV, malaria, and sexual and reproductive health,
3. Targeted, home-based HIV testing, and rapid linkage to HIV treatment and adherence support for the newly diagnosed.