Women and AIDS Support Network (WASN) conducted Sexual Reproductive Health training in Mutoko in Ward 15 at Makosa and Ward 5 at Nyamakope Hall. The training was provided to two groups, including women, girls, men, and boys, with ages ranging from 17 to 55 years. Each group received three days of training.

Other stakeholders that participated in the training included:

• National AIDS Council (NAC)
• HIV Focal Person from Mutoko Hospital
• District Development Coordinator
• Headman of Ward 5
• Victim Friendly Officer
• Ministry of Youth
• Councillor

The objective of the training was to increase access to SRHR and HIV services.

Day 1

• Training Sessions: Focused on the importance of joining support groups.
• Topics Addressed:
  • Gender norms and power dynamics contributing to increased vulnerability to HIV infection.
  • Treatment literacy for HIV, aiming at promoting positive long-term behavioral changes.
  • Education on PEP (Post Exposure Prophylaxis), PrEP (Pre-exposure Prophylaxis), PMTCT (Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission), VMMC (Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision), and self-testing.
  • Information provided on different methods of family planning.

Day 2

• Stigma & Discrimination: Topics were covered through role plays to help participants understand different perspectives.
• Targeted Programming: Emphasized the need for more programs addressing stigma due to its negative impact on reducing HIV.
• ANC & PNC Services: Pregnant mothers received free services, with immediate ART initiation if tested positive for HIV.
• Body Mapping: Participants engaged in body mapping activities to enhance their understanding of sexual reproductive health practices.
• HIV & Crime: Awareness campaigns were recommended to address issues such as early marriages, school dropouts, and other related challenges.

Day 3

• Leadership Training: Focused on identifying good and bad leadership qualities through role plays.
• Local Reflection and Recommendations:
  • Identified high-prevalence areas like mines being hotspots for HIV/prostitution.
  • Recognized challenges such as clinics being far away, leading to some women giving birth at home, early child marriages, and high school dropouts.
  • Recommendations were made to address these issues.

Communication and Assertiveness Training

On the 26th and 27th of June 2024, WASN conducted a Communication and Assertiveness training program for 30 women and men in Ward 5, Mutoko. The participants ranged in age from 17 to 44 years.

The goal of the training was to empower participants with effective communication skills and enhance their assertiveness to promote healthy relationships, make informed decisions regarding sexual reproductive health, and prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS.

The participants actively engaged in the training sessions, demonstrating enthusiasm for learning essential communication skills. Through various activities, they gained a deeper understanding of:

• Active listening
• Interpretation of non-verbal cues
• Empathy-building techniques
• Developing personal boundaries within relationships