#YAaHNaija

#YAaHNaija is an innovative intervention to intensify HIV programming amongst Adolescent and Young People (AYPs) in Nigeria using digital and programmatic tools.  This is based on the knowledge that meaningful youth participation and engagement is a game changer for achieving better health and HIV outcomes.

With the internet penetration in Nigeria now over 52%, this is creating an opportunity for innovative programming that can be integrated into young people’s daily lives to empower them to address the daily challenges, vulnerability and risks of HIV infection. 

About the #YAaHNaija Project

#YAaHNaija is the brand identity for U Test in Nigeria — HIVST (HIV Self-Testing and Pre-exposure prophylaxis) to the most vulnerable adolescents and young people.


The innovation is nested within the principle of a comprehensive combination prevention and utilised U-report and other digital tools to mobilise and engage AYP in comprehensive HIV prevention knowledge activities; work with AYP peer networks and geo-localization tools for targeted service delivery, referral and linkages; support capacity strengthening, evidence generation and dissemination to achieve sustainable HIV outcomes at scale.

HIV prevalence is 3-4 times higher among AYPs that any other age bracket; while being highest among female AYPs. Irrespective of the kind of population you belong to, there are benefits that come with HIV self-testing, especially among AYPs, or anyone who thinks he or she has HIV symptoms. With HIVST, a person is able to move away from a position of unawareness about their serostatus. A key benefit of self-testing is that it can also be carried out at any time a person wants the test performed and result interpretation can also be made by the same person testing easily. Since there is currently no cure for HIV, this is therefore a major innovation that is still in use in 2022.

Self-testing does not eliminate the presence of a window period — about 12 weeks after a possible infection risk. The entire journey of HIV prevention however starts from the point of one knowing his or her status. The test results are also highly reliable. 

 

The UTest Nigeria user journey through the #YAaHNaija project starts by following the following simple steps —

1. Send a text message with the word — risktest to 24453 or save the number, 0908 740 1607 on your phone and send a WhatsApp or Telegram message with the word risktest. Click here to get started.
2. Either step 1 or 2 will provide a message with options for a self-risk assessment. Follow the prompt to know your level of risk and the next step to take.
4. If you need to get an HIV test kit or an HIV test strip, the prompt will lead you to the National Call Centre for HIV/AIDS and related diseases where you can speak with a counsellor who will give you information about the closest location to get the HIV self-test kit in your community. The number to dial is 6222. The process is simpler than it reads!
It is important to get a confirmatory test from a health facility if your HIVST is found to be reactive. There are trained youth-friendly health workers who are equipped to attend to you. Remember to dial 6222 if you require further assistance or information.

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What You Need to Do

You need to know your HIV status. Again, and again; especially if you are a young person and you are sexually active in any form. Knowing your HIV status helps you in making decisions to prevent getting HIV and also transmitting the virus. Services that you will have access to will include referral to counselling, HIV testing (including HIVST) and PrEP. HIV self-testing is an additional testing approach and repeat testing is very important especially as the method is safe and easy.

To assess your risk, text ‘risktest’ to 24453 or click here. It only takes a few minutes!

What the Numbers Say

Globally, the progress in the reduction of new HIV infections in young people has been slow. With the current rate of reduction in new infections, the estimated number of global new HIV infections among adolescents is projected to increase to 270,000 annually by 2025 and 300,000 annually by 2030. Nigeria given its large new population is a major site for these numbers.

In Nigeria, 32,000 new infections occurred amongst Adolescent girls and young women in 2019. This represents the highest number of new HIV infections of all ages in Nigeria. This project is about addressing this climb in numbers through this major demography.

Contact Us

To contact  #YAahNaija for any service. You can chat with us on Telegram or Whatsapp. On Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, you are welcome to reach us confidentially through @nacanigeria and the NACA call centre, dial 6222

YAahNaija — Youthful, Alive and Healthy!

“Testing yourself for HIV is self love! It is easy, confidential and very safe.”

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Your One Stop Information HIV/AIDS related Disease

You can call Our emergency toll free line

6222