AFEW International, in partnership with its local partner in Uzbekistan Nurbonu, is leading a series of training sessions designed to strengthen the capacity of civil society organizations (CSOs) and enhance support for vulnerable groups—particularly women and youth. It’s part of a broader effort under the EU-funded project Empowering Voices for Inclusive Development, aimed at supporting civil society organizations (CSOs) that work with women and youth in Uzbekistan. At the heart of it is an approach known as Asset Based Community Development (ABCD), which focuses not on problems, but on the strengths within communities themselves.
The recent training session, “Features of Disclosing HIV-Positive Status to Adolescents: The Role of Parents and Medical Staff,” brought together 17 parents and healthcare professionals to explore this deeply sensitive topic.
How do you tell a teenager they’re living with HIV—honestly, gently, and in a way that helps them feel safe?Trainers Kenjaev Murodjon and Olga Kektysheva guided participants through this emotional terrain, focusing on three core ideas:
- Knowing when and how: Kids process information differently depending on their age and emotional state. Timing matters. So does choosing the right words.
- One message, many voices: When parents and medical professionals speak with one voice—compassionate, clear, and age-appropriate—it helps the child feel supported.
- It’s just the beginning: Disclosure is a moment, but what comes after is a journey. Ongoing emotional support is essential to help adolescents cope, grow, and stay in care.
Beyond the diagnosis: strengthening treatment adherence
The training emphasized that adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) is more than a clinical target—it is a family goal. Adolescents often struggle with consistency, and the emotional support of both caregivers and trusted healthcare providers can make the difference between compliance and dropout.
Learning through connection
This wasn’t a typical lecture-style training. Participants shared their stories, listened to each other, and worked through real-life situations together. Interactive games like “The Ship is Sinking” and “Seasons” brought out laughter, reflection, and a sense of unity.
These simple but powerful activities helped parents and health workers understand not only the importance of what they say—but how they say it, and how much it matters to feel understood.
Finding courage in community
By the end of the session, participants weren’t just taking home new skills—they were leaving with a sense of connection and courage.
“I realized I’m not alone.”
“Now I know how to start this difficult conversation.”
“The shared stories and activities helped us build trust with each other.”
A step forward, together
This training is just one piece of a larger mission. But for the parents and professionals who took part, it’s a step that means everything. With support from AFEW International and with the financial support of the European Union, the local team at “Nurbonu” is helping build a more informed, empathetic, and inclusive future.
This document has been produced with the financial assistance of the European Union. The contents are the sole responsibility of Nurbonu and AFEW International and can under no circumstances be regarded as reflecting the position of the European Union.
