HIV prevalence was 11.48%. While 38% of AGYW reported no ACEs, 62% experienced at least one. Cumulative ACEs were not significantly associated with ... View article...

In Kenya, the DREAMS Partnership (“Determined, Resilient, Empowered, AIDS-free, Mentored and Safe”) aims to reduce new HIV cases among adolescent girls and young women (AGYW; aged 10–24) through a com...

This thematic literature review examines the impacts of climate-induced drought on the health, nutrition, and socio-economic wellbeing of adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) in sub-Saharan Afri...

Background: HIV incidence among adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) aged 15-24 years in Eastern and Southern Africa remains unacceptably high. Unprotected sex increases the risk of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections and unintended pregnancies, reflecting an unmet need for effective contraception among AGYW. Long-acting injectable preexposure prophylaxis (LAI-PrEP) and long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) offer effective, durable protection against HIV and unintended pregnancy. However, uptake and persistence remain suboptimal due to low awareness, fear of side effects, stigma, limited decision-making autonomy, and poor integrated reproductive health and HIV prevention services. Evidence on community-driven and behaviorally informed strategies to support integrated rollout and uptake of LAI-PrEP and LARC among AGYW in Uganda remains limited. Objective: The #Study aims to determine the preferences and willingness of AGYW in Uganda to use LARC and LAI-PrEP, and characterize stakeholder perceptions, practices, and social norms that may influence adoption of integrated LARC and LAI-PrEP services. It applies the Capability, Opportunity, Motivation–Behavior (COM-B) model to identify facilitators and barriers to uptake and adherence. Methods: This mixed methods implementation science #Study, guided by the COM-B model and the Behavior Change Wheel (BCW), will be conducted in 3 Kampala Capital City Authority clinics to generate evidence and co-design community-driven strategies supporting integrated LARC and LAI-PrEP uptake among AGYW. The #Study will proceed in three stages: (1) structured surveys with 220 AGYW to assess determinants of uptake and willingness to use integrated services, (2) focus group discussions with 30 AGYW and in-depth interviews with 20 key informants to explore perceptions, preferences, and barriers, and (3) participatory co-design of behavior change strategies. Survey data will be analyzed using descriptive and multivariable regression methods, while qualitative data will undergo reflexive thematic analysis guided by Braun and Clarke. Findings will be integrated using a convergent mixed methods approach through triangulation and joint displays to identify factors influencing implementation of integrated LARC and LAI-PrEP services. Results: The #Study was funded in February 2026. Ethical approval was obtained from the Joint Clinical #Research Centre #Research Ethics Committee (JCRC IRB/EC; JCRC-2025-143), Kampala Capital City Authority (DPHE/KCCA/1302/01), and the Uganda National Council for Science and Technology (UNCST; HS6232ES). Written informed consent was obtained from all participants. #Study preparation, including staff training, development of #Study materials, and community sensitization, was completed before participant recruitment. Participant recruitment began in March 2026, and was completed in July 2026, with 220 AGYW and 20 key informants enrolled. Data cleaning and quality assurance are ongoing, with quantitative and qualitative analyses planned following completion of all #Study activities. Findings are anticipated to be reported in 2027. Conclusions: Findings will provide evidence-based recommendations to inform the targeted interventions and policy guidelines for scaling up integrated LARC and LAI-PrEP services. Trial Registration:

YouTube video by Elliott Root

Introduction Adolescent girls and young women (AGYW), a priority population for HIV prevention in Africa, show high interest but difficulty in sustained effective use of pre-exposure prophylaxis (Pr...

Adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) living with HIV face heightened risks of mental distress, which may be compounded by exposure to violence and socioeconomic vulnerabilities. This study…

Despite established efficacy for oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in reducing HIV incidence, multi-level barriers within the health system, clinic…

AbstractChlamydia trachomatis (CT) is the most common sexually transmitted bacterial infection globally, significantly affecting adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) in South Africa. This study investigated CT prevalence and genotypic diversity among 298 AGYW from Cape Town and Johannesburg, revealing an overall prevalence of 29.5%. Prevalence was higher in Cape Town (41.6%) compared to Johannesburg (17.4%; P < .0001). Genetic analysis identified 34 sequence types, including 15 novel variants. Longitudinal data highlighted frequent reinfections or persistent infections despite treatment. These findings underscore the importance of addressing CT's genetic diversity for improved reproductive health strategies and vaccine development.

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Chlamydia trachomatis remains the most prevalent bacterial sexually transmitted infection worldwide, disproportionately affecting adolescent girls and young women (AGYW). Vaccine development is hindered by a limited understanding of protective immunity, particularly in the context of multiple exposures and immunopathology.MethodsWe characterized mucosal inflammation and systemic immune responses to C. trachomatis in South African AGYW (n = 145), stratified by exposure history based on nucleic acid amplification testing (NAAT) and serology (Ab). Specifically, cervicovaginal cytokines, cervical T cell activation, and C. trachomatis-specific CD4+ T cell responses were assessed.ResultsA NAAT+/Ab + status, signifying untreated/recurrent infection, was associated with increased cervical T cell activation. These women all had detectable C. trachomatis-specific CD4+ T cells in blood; however, the magnitude of the response was 2.4-fold lower than in NAAT−/Ab + (cleared infection) or NAAT+/Ab− (primary infection) groups. C. trachomatis-specific multifunctional CD4+ T cells were highest in NAAT−/Ab + women, and nearly absent in those who were NAAT+/Ab +. Notably, systemic C. trachomatis-specific Th1 responses were overall inversely correlated with genital tract concentrations of inflammatory cytokines, including IL-1β, TNF, and IL-17A.ConclusionsBoth the magnitude and quality of the systemic CD4+ T cell responses are critical components of protective immunity to C. trachomatis and may limit mucosal immunopathology, informing vaccine strategies in high-risk populations.

AbstractChlamydia trachomatis (CT) is the most common sexually transmitted bacterial infection globally, significantly affecting adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) in South Africa. This study investigated CT prevalence and genotypic diversity among 298 AGYW from Cape Town and Johannesburg, revealing an overall prevalence of 29.5%. Prevalence was higher in Cape Town (41.6%) compared to Johannesburg (17.4%; P < .0001). Genetic analysis identified 34 sequence types, including 15 novel variants. Longitudinal data highlighted frequent reinfections or persistent infections despite treatment. These findings underscore the importance of addressing CT's genetic diversity for improved reproductive health strategies and vaccine development.

Via AmberWoods100: “Epstein survivor Virginia Giuffre said she was surprised to learn that Jeffrey Epstein knew the first man who trafficked her, Ron Eppinger. I pulled Eppinger’s file….FBI informant...

Via AmberWoods100: “Epstein survivor Virginia Giuffre said she was surprised to learn that Jeffrey Epstein knew the first man who trafficked her, Ron Eppinger. I pulled Eppinger’s file….FBI informant...

Job Type Full Time Qualification BA/BSc/HND Experience 3 - 5 years Location Anambra Job Field Consultancy&nbsp Background Adolescents & Young Persons (AYPs) especially Adolescent Girls and Young Women (AGYW) have vulnerabilities for HIV in Nigeria that are strongly linked with ...

From Alan MacLeod: “The United Nations has just voted 153-1 on a resolution ensuring the safety and security of humanitarian workers and UN personnel across the globe. The only country voting against...