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Bridging the Gap: Ensuring PEP Access for Victims of Sexual Violence in Uganda

Bridging the Gap: Ensuring PEP Access for Victims of Sexual Violence in Uganda was an initiative addressing the devastating intersection of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) and HIV/AIDS. Implemented from October 2024 to August 2025 across five high HIV prevalence districts: Kampala, Fort Portal, Mbarara, Tororo, and Oyam, the project worked to ensure awareness and timely access to Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) and Pre Exposure Prophylaxis.

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GIRLS AND YOUNG WOMEN REACHED
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PEER EDUCATORS
  • HIV Prevention Advocacy

The Challenge We Addressed

In Uganda, SGBV remains a significant challenge, with statistics showing that a high percentage of women have experienced physical and/or sexual violence. Despite legislation, significant gaps persisted in victim support systems, leaving many without access to crucial services. According to UNICEF, two-thirds of all new HIV infections in Uganda occur in adolescent girls, 4 in 5 new infections are among adolescent girls and young women under 24. Our primary focus was Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP)—the critical, time-sensitive medication that prevents HIV if taken within 72 hours of exposure (such as a sexual assault). Barriers like limited availability, cost, and a lack of awareness disproportionately impacted adolescent girls and young women, who are highly vulnerable to both sexual assault and new HIV infections. Our overall objective was to enhance access to and utilization of PEP

  • Action Plan

Implementation Activities

To address this challenge, the project implemented several key activities: Empowered Peer Educators: We conducted a two-day, blended learning workshop for peer educators and advocates working on SGBV or HIV advocacy in five high-burden districts: Kampala, Fort Portal, Mbarara, Tororo, and Oyam. This training strengthened their capacity to provide accurate information on both immediate post-assault care (PEP) and long-term prevention (PrEP). Conducted Community Outreach: The trained peer educators organized informational sessions within their communities, specifically targeting girls and women. These sessions delivered culturally appropriate information on PEP and existing access channels. Crucially, they also ensured victims were aware of PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) for those at ongoing, high risk of HIV exposure, often a concern for survivors of repeated or domestic violence and sex workers. Peer educators collaborated with local health facilities to ensure the medication was available.

  • Achievement

Our Impact and Outcomes

The project achieved extraordinary success in protecting and empowering vulnerable women and girls, significantly surpassing its primary objectives. We provided life-saving Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) and Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) to 885 girls and young women across five target districts, directly reducing HIV transmission risks. Beyond these tangible health outcomes, the initiative drove a marked increase in community awareness about HIV prevention options and empowered survivors to confidently seek both immediate treatment and ongoing preventive care. Furthermore, we strengthened local support systems for sexual and gender-based violence victims through enhanced collaboration between healthcare facilities and peer educators, creating sustainable impact beyond the project's immediate scope.

Campaign Pictorial

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