By Ncaba Ntshakala
The Family Life Association of Eswatini (FLAS) has recently concluded a successful three-day training program which was for capacitating PrEP Ambassadors with knowledge of new biomedical HIV prevention methods.
The training was held from the 6th to the 8th of May 2024 at Bethel Court in Ezulwini. According to FLAS, the training was a crucial component of the Consortium to Advance Access to New HIV Prevention Products (CAAPP) Project, which is slated for implementation in three constituencies at Kukhanyeni, Mtfongwaneni, and Motshane.
The organization has further stated that the intensive training was meticulously designed to equip participants with a comprehensive understanding of biomedical HIV prevention methods,
Where FLAS emphasized the significance of remaining updated on the latest advancements in the field.
Through a combination of interactive sessions and practical demonstrations, attendees deepened their comprehension of Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) and its pivotal role in thwarting HIV transmission.
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Key areas covered during the training included effective communication strategies, community engagement tactics, and the importance of collaborative efforts in mobilizing community members to embrace HIV prevention measures.
The trained PrEP Ambassadors further underwent rigorous instruction for enhancing their technical proficiency, while also gaining insight into their roles and responsibilities within the broader scope of the project’s objectives.
FLAS also clarified the expectations, delineated objectives, and outlined key tasks, where the participants were empowered to execute their duties with precision and purpose.
“The training strengthens a sense of confidence and competence among PrEP Ambassadors, ensuring they are well-equipped to champion HIV prevention efforts within their respective communities,” said FLAS in a shared statement on the Facebook page.
The training also saw PrEP Ambassadors being awarded certificates of completion.
The Family Life Association of Eswatini (FLAS) was established in 1979 as a volunteer-based non-profit organization and a full member of the International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF).
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FLAS focuses on the provision of integrated Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) and HIV services and information with a primary target on young people aged 10 – 24 while adults and those below 10 become a secondary target.
FLAS provides SRH clinical services through three static clinics located in the three main cities of the country and also provides services through mobile outreach to hard-to-reach areas targeting vulnerable and marginalized populations.
The non-clinical component involves the provision of Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) to both in and out-of-school youth, advocacy and research.
