Adolescents (aged 10-19) and young people (aged 20-24) living with HIV (AYPLHIV) represent one of the most vulnerable and underserved populations in HIV care. Recognizing this critical gap, Centre for Initiative and Development (CFID), as a sub-awardee of the RISE (Reaching Impact Saturation and Epidemic Control) project supported by the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), conducted an impactful intervention in Northern Taraba to address their needs.
As part of the project, CFID provides HIV testing services, referring positive clients to RISE-supported healthcare facilities for comprehensive care in the target communities.
Operation Triple Zero (OTZ) empowers AYPLHIV to take charge of their health and well-being. The initiative encourages them to commit to achieving the “3 Zeros”:
- Zero missed appointments
- Zero missed drugs
- Zero viral load
Individuals who reach these goals are celebrated as “Champions,” serving as role models and advocates for positive health behaviors. Beyond these core goals, OTZ promotes additional milestones, such as:
- Zero HIV-related deaths
- Zero mother-to-child transmission of HIV (particularly for pregnant young women)
Key Activities of OTZ Meetings:
- ARV Refills: Ensuring uninterrupted access to life-saving medications.
- Viral Load Sample Collection: Supporting participants in monitoring their health progress.
- Counselling and Health Talks: Delivered by trained support staff to inspire and educate.
- Talent Displays: Offering a platform for participants to showcase their skills and creativity, fostering self-esteem and community engagement.
- Caregiver Mentorship: Side meetings focus on equipping caregivers with parenting skills to provide strong support systems
Operation Triple Zero is more than just a health initiative; it’s a movement. It nurtures the potential of AYPLHIV to not only achieve personal health goals but also inspire others in their community to do the same, creating a ripple effect of hope, resilience, and empowerment.
