Submission ID 118564
| Issue/Objective | Youth living with HIV in Rwanda face significant barriers to well-being, including stigma, mental health distress, and poor ART adherence. Studies indicate that mental health challenges, particularly depression, are highly prevalent among youth living with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa, contributing to low ART adherence rates and poorer health outcomes. Studies suggest that community-driven, stigma-reduction programs can significantly improve ART adherence and mental health outcomes. In response to the critical gaps in youth-friendly mental health services, Ubugeni Bwomora (Art that Heals) sought to create a safe space and foster a community where self-expression, healing, support, and empowerment thrive through art. |
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| Methodology/Approach | This pilot project was funded by McGill University's Mastercard Foundation Program, and it enrolled 10 participants living with HIV from a rural district between September-December 2023. The project was implemented through a structured three-phase approach guided by teaching modules developed with the help of a mental health professional. Phase 1: Building Trust: Participants interaction through team-building activities such as group games, sports, shared meals established a safe, open and inclusive space. Phase 2: Storytelling & Self-Acceptance: Participants engaged in expressive arts workshops and received individual counseling fostering resilience and self-acceptance. Phase 3: Art as Healing: Participants engaged in art therapy to create personal narratives, culminating in peer dialogue that raised awareness and reduced stigma. |
| Results | The project applied a pre and post inquiry to understand outcomes and gather participants' feedback. Preliminary evaluation sessions and participants' feedback showed improved psychosocial well-being among participants. Youth reported higher self-esteem, greater self-acceptance, and stronger coping skills, and many now feel more comfortable discussing their HIV status with their parents and friends. Parents also reported that their children were motivated to adhere to ART. Moreover, community forums engaged the youth's parents and local leaders, sparking open conversations about HIV and mental health and fostering a more supportive environment. |
| Discussion/Conclusion | Ubugeni Bwomora demonstrates that a youth-led, arts-based approach can effectively address psychosocial barriers to HIV care, advance health equity, and catalyze meaningful dialogue about HIV and mental health care. We recommend adopting and scaling such participatory approaches in future community-led initiatives to reduce stigma and improve ART adherence. |
| Presenters and affiliations | Joyeuse Senga McGill University Agape Ishimwe Transformational Leadership Center (TLC) |
