On August 1st and 2nd, 2025, peer supporters from the Children Momentum and Equality Projects both funded by ViiV Healthcare convened at the Nkwen Baptist Center for their mid-year coordination meetings. These young individuals, who provide peer support to children and adolescents living with HIV, used the opportunity to reflect on their work, share experiences, and engage in skills-building sessions aimed at enhancing their impact in the communities they serve. The two-day workshops were designed to assess progress, address challenges, and plan for the months ahead, while also supporting the mental well-being of the peer supporters themselves.
One of the main themes explored was the mental health assessment session conducted by the CBCHS Mental Health Supervisor, Mr Ngwen Franklin. Peer supporters are often exposed to emotionally demanding situations, and the session was designed to help them better understand and manage their own mental well-being.
“Peer supporters need just as much care as those they support. If their mental health is not attended to, it affects their ability to carry out their role effectively,” he noted.
Topics such as stress management, burnout prevention, and emotional resilience were covered, with many participants expressing appreciation for the opportunity to reflect on their emotional state and share openly with one another.
The meeting also included the evolving role of peer supporters. Participants reflected on their motivations for becoming peer supporters from a desire to reduce stigma and improve adherence, to personal growth and a sense of duty to others living with HIV. Their early experiences were marked by uncertainty and, for many, low self-confidence. However, over time, they gained valuable skills and saw concrete results from their efforts. Some noted that they had helped peers return to care, supported young people with high viral loads to achieve suppression, and improved support group participation by facilitating relatable and engaging sessions.
Given their age group and the realities of adolescence, discussions on healthy relationships were also a key part of the workshop. Peer supporters shared insights and asked questions around consent, boundaries, communication, and maintaining moral and respectful relationships.
Several sessions focused on monitoring and evaluation, self-development, and future planning. Peer supporters outlined personal goals such as improving public speaking, pursuing further studies in psychology or community health, and becoming more effective communicators.
Many participants expressed that their involvement in the project had helped them grow both professionally and personally. They shared stories of overcoming fear, learning to counsel others, and finding a clearer sense of purpose.
The North West Regional HIV Technical Group Coordinator, Dr. Jude Berinyuy, attended the meetings and provided encouraging remarks. He emphasized the significance of the work being done by peer supporters and noted that viral load suppression among children has improved over the years: “In 2008, viral load suppression among children was under 70%. Today, it’s above 80%. Your work is part of that progress,” he said. Dr. Berenyuy also encouraged the group to take full advantage of services related to mental health and family planning and emphasized that young people have the right to make informed decisions about their health. “It’s your body, your health, and your right. Continue using your voice to advocate for services that meet your needs,” he added.
While concerns about sustainability were raised particularly with potential shifts in funding the peer supporters expressed strong commitment to continuing their work regardless of future project timelines. Several mentioned that being a peer supporter has become part of their identity, and they remain motivated to support their communities beyond the scope of the project. “Even after the project ends, I will still be a peer supporter,” one participant stated. “It’s something I’ve grown into”.
The mid-year coordination meetings provided a valuable opportunity for reflection, learning, and recommitment. They also highlighted the essential role peer supporters play in bridging gaps between healthcare systems and young people living with HIV. As these projects continue, their contributions remain critical to improving adherence, encouraging return to care, and promoting healthier, more informed lives among children and adolescents affected by HIV.
