SUAC0304 | STRENGTHENING MALE ENGAGEMENT IN HIV PREVENTION THROUGH COMMUNITY PEER-LED MENTORSHIP: INSIGHTS FROM THE BROTHA2BROTHA PROGRAM IN HARARE, ZIMBABWE

Walter Chikanya, Obey Mukorera, Samantha Mugudubi, Tonderai Mushove, Ngoni Mudoti | Zichire, Harare, Zimbabwe

Despite comprising nearly 20% of the national population, adolescent boys and young men (ABYM) aged 15–24 remain underserved in Zimbabwe’s HIV response. Less than 50% of ABYM get tested for HIV, and only 49.2% of them are able to suppress the virus, which is lower than the 66.2% of adolescent girls who do. High unemployment (94%), drug and substance use (66% of users being male), and persistent HIV stigma (as shown in the National Stigma Index Study of 2021) exacerbate service uptake barriers. ZINASP V and NDS1 identify young men as a priority group needing tailored and targeted interventions. The Brotha2Brotha (B2B) program, implemented by ZiCHIRe and supported by the National AIDS Council (NAC), employs a community-based, peer-led mentorship model targeting ABYM in Harare Metropolitan and Marondera East Province with the purpose of increasing urgency to access SRHR and HIV services. Trained mentors deliver 24 manual-based sessions over a 12-month period covering HIV prevention, SRHR, mental health, gender-based violence, artificial intelligence, and substance use. Recruitment uses a standardized risk assessment tool, ensuring inclusion of the most vulnerable youth. The program integrates sports, arts, media, roadshows, and digital engagement to improve reach and participation. In 2023-2024, the B2B program successfully recruited 5,488 ABYM (99.5% of its target), resulting in 62,491 person exposures through structured mentorship activities. Of the 3,580 individuals referred for HIV testing, 776 (49.1%) accessed services, and 3.5% tested HIV positive; all of these individuals were successfully initiated on ART, achieving a 100% linkage-to-care rate. Furthermore, 224,428 condoms were distributed, and 157 mentees underwent VMMC. These outcomes affirm that peer-led mentorship is a powerful strategy for addressing HIV-related stigma, building trust, and enhancing health literacy key barriers identified in the HIV Stigma Index. To amplify impact, B2B should be scaled nationally and integrated with school, tertiary, and workplace programs. Strengthening demand creation, expanding mobile HTS, and integrating