Background
The Midlands province has one of the highest HIV prevalence rates in Zimbabwe. In a country where unemployment rates are continuously increasing and income levels are getting lower, students are among the most vulnerable groups. The Midlands State University is one of the largest universities in Zimbabwe, with over 23 000 students. Many students there face challenges related to their sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) – a situation that is worsened by the lack of SRHR services in the college clinics.

About the project
This project was created to increase students’ access to and usage of SRHR services at the Midlands State University’s main campus in the city of Gweru. During the project, college nurses were trained to provide youth friendly SRHR services on campus. 48 students were also trained as peer educators and organized events on campus to reach out to other students. The peer educators also initiated dialogues on sex and sexuality in their hostels and in other spaces around campus, to promote positive behavioural change and increase the number of students who seek out SRHR services.

Results
By the end of the project the number of students accessing services from the college clinic had increased drastically. The mass mobilisation done by peer educators combined with the nurses’ new approach had generated a greater demand for the services. This made the college realise the need and before the project ended additional nurses had been recruited and four new access points for HIV testing and counselling had been established. Another great success with this project is that it contributed to breaking the silence on sex and sexuality among students, and built a culture of openness in dialogues on SRHR.

The model from this project is currently being expanded to other college campuses in the region, to enable more students to access the services they need.

Year: 2016