Providing peer support for adolescents and young people living with HIV

Overview

WHO recommends peer support, including peer counseling, for adolescents and young people living with HIV (AYPLHIV) age 10-24 years. Peer support enables providers, programs and services to be more responsive, acceptable, sustainable and relevant, encouraging AYPLHIV to seek and remain engaged in care.

Studies show that peer support can improve AYPLHIV linkage, adherence, viral suppression, retention and psychosocial wellbeing. Peer support models can also provide young peer supporters with opportunities for leadership development, capacity building and youth-led advocacy, helping to combat the negative effects of self-stigma and peer pressure.