Young people are not just participants in their health journey—they’re leaders, innovators, and change-makers. This is exactly what the Fast-PrEP project in Cape Town has shown by involving a Youth Reference Group (YRG) in every stage of creating HIV prevention services. This initiative empowered adolescents and youth aged 15-29 to guide the development of PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) delivery systems tailored to their unique needs.
From demand creation campaigns to clinic evaluations, young participants’ ideas shaped practical, accessible, and youth-friendly PrEP services. By ensuring their voices were heard and their suggestions implemented, the project didn’t just deliver prevention tools—it built trust, ownership, and health literacy within the community.
But the success of Fast-PrEP goes beyond healthcare—it offers a blueprint for authentic youth engagement. By creating safe, inclusive spaces for collaboration and ensuring consistent feedback, the project has proven that listening to young people is the key to addressing public health challenges effectively.
Discover more about this innovative approach and how it’s changing the game in HIV prevention by reading the full article here. Together, let’s champion a future where youth voices lead the way!