Where
Zambia

Why
To reduce HIV infections among adolescent girls and young women by helping them overcome the challenges of adolescence, stay in school, and make informed life choices.

Funded by
PACT with funds from USAID

When
2016 – Present

What
Despite significant progress in the global HIV/AIDS response, gender and age disparities remain a major challenge. In sub-Saharan Africa, adolescent girls and young women continue to face disproportionately high rates of new HIV infections, driven by social, economic, and structural vulnerabilities.

Through the DREAMS initiative—Determined, Resilient, Empowered, AIDS-free, Mentored, and Safe—Hands of Mercy International is implementing targeted interventions to address these challenges in Zambia.

Hands of Mercy International has established DREAMS centers, which serve as safe, supportive spaces where adolescent girls receive mentorship, life skills training, and guidance through an evidence-informed curriculum. These centers empower girls with knowledge on HIV prevention, reproductive health, and personal development, while also encouraging regular HIV testing and informed decision-making.

In addition, the program works closely with communities, schools, and local stakeholders to address the underlying factors that increase vulnerability, including limited access to education, economic insecurity, and gender inequality.

Beyond implementation, Hands of Mercy International has also contributed to national-level advocacy. The organization was invited to present its findings on HIV transmission trends among adolescent girls and young women at a conference organized by the Government of Zambia. This engagement played a role in strengthening the national response, with the government committing additional resources to scale up prevention and support interventions.

Through a combination of community-based programming, mentorship, and policy engagement, Hands of Mercy International continues to support a generation of young women to remain healthy, empowered, and resilient.