In the landscape of HIV care, peer supporters are unsung heroes. These are young people, living with HIV themselves and deeply familiar with its challenges, who act as bridges between their peers and the healthcare system. Those collaborating with the Children Momentum Project (CMP) gathered for a transformative two-day orientation workshop at the Nkwen Baptist Center. March 29, 30, 2025 to receive orientation on the new project objectives.

The workshop was designed to reinforce their critical roles, and equip them with the skills and knowledge needed to meet new challenges head-on. The Project Manager, Mrs. Awa Fanny, opened the session with heartfelt gratitude. “You are role models in your communities. The information and skills you gain here should go straight into your daily work, your impact is real and lasting.”

Peer supporters connect children and adolescents living with HIV to essential services, offer emotional support, share relatable experiences, and help demystify treatment processes. Their unique position, trusted by both clients and clinics, makes them invaluable allies in the fight against HIV, especially when it comes to keeping children and youth engaged in care.

Topics ranged from adherence counseling and disclosure management to navigating the complex challenges faced by adolescents living with HIV.

“We recognized the need to not only empower our Peer Supporters with the right tools but also to inspire them to be true leaders in their communities,” says Dr. Ntenedio Paul, the Regional Technical Group Focal Point for Psychosocial Agents.

During the workshop, Peer Supporters were encouraged to work closely with healthcare providers, caregivers, and their peers to overcome barriers to viral load suppression. They learned strategies for fostering open communication, addressing stigma, and ensuring that every child under their care receives the support they need.

“Peer Supporters are more than just volunteers, they are the heart and soul of our efforts to end pediatric HIV, we want them to be agents of change, empowered to take charge of their lives and their communities,” explained Mrs. Awa Fanny. “Their lived experiences, their deep connections within the community, and their unwavering dedication make them invaluable assets in our fight against this disease”.

As the Children Momentum Project transitions into a new phase, the role of Peer Supporters becomes even more critical. The workshop served as a platform to not only update them on the project’s evolving objectives but also to challenge them to think about their own futures and the legacy they will leave behind.

The story of Constance, a Peer Supporter who now volunteers for other projects, serving as a shining example was one of the facilitators. This inspiration, coupled with the practical skills and knowledge she shared during the workshop, ignited a fire within the Peer Supporters, poised to make an indelible mark on the fight against pediatric HIV in Cameroon.

As the workshop drew to a close, the Peer Supporters were reminded of their crucial role and the impact they can have, not just on the lives of the children and adolescents they serve, but also on the very fabric of their communities. With renewed vigor and a shared vision, they are ready to take on the challenges ahead, determined to leave a lasting legacy of hope, resilience, and a future free from the burden of HIV.