THAB0302 | YOUTH-LED DIGITAL STORYTELLING AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT TO COMBAT HIV STIGMA AND PROMOTE U=U AWARENESS

Tshepo M. Ndhlovu¹, Phuthegi Mashigo², Margaret Mokgothu³, Karabo Sekgale³, Ndumiso Tshuma¹ | ¹Best Health Solutions, Johannesburg, South Africa; ²Ga Rankuwa YMCA, Ga Rankuwa, South Africa; ³Office of the Premier - Council on AIDS, North West, South Africa

Stigma and misinformation about HIV continue to undermine progress toward global HIV targets, particularly among adolescents and young people. This youth-led initiative was developed to address these challenges by leveraging digital storytelling to promote awareness of U=U (Undetectable = Untransmittable) and challenge entrenched HIV stigma in both urban and rural settings. The intervention aimed to increase understanding, build confidence, and normalize HIV conversations through creative, youth-centered strategies. Over a 9-month period, 57 adolescents and young people co-created a digital storytelling campaign—“Soa Story”—that used animated videos and relatable narratives to convey the science and meaning behind U=U. The campaign was carried out on several social media sites and included in-person community involvement, such as 11 focus group discussions and 47 key informant interviews with stakeholders. Peer ambassadors, trained in HIV communication and digital facilitation, led both online and face-to-face dialogues to address misconceptions and promote testing, treatment, and adherence. A combination of methods was used to measure the effect. “Soa Story” reached 151,209 individuals online, achieving a 59% interaction rate. Pre- and post-intervention assessments showed a 49% increase in knowledge of U=U and an 81% increase in confidence among youth to talk about HIV. Additionally, 67% of participants reported a reduced sense of HIV-related stigma, and 65% expressed greater willingness to seek testing. However, 30% of respondents continued to encounter misinformation, indicating the need for sustained, layered messaging. Among peer ambassadors, 21% reported challenges navigating sensitive discussions, highlighting areas for further capacity building. Youth-led digital storytelling is an effective, scalable tool for stigma reduction and HIV education. Combining digital media with localized, community-based engagement enhances message retention and trust. Future strategies should integrate peer-led digital health initiatives with national HIV prevention frameworks, invest in continuous training for youth facilitators, and foster partnerships with healthcare providers to institutionalize youth-driven communication approaches.