Introduction
Background to AGYW programme
From 2016 to the present day, the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB and Malaria (the Global Fund) has invested in a combination intervention for adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) aged 10 to 24 years in priority districts in South Africa, with the aim of reducing HIV incidence, teenage pregnancy, and gender-based violence and increasing retention in school and access to economic opportunities.
A team of scientists at the South African Medical Research Council, together with colleagues from Brown University School of Public Health, the University of Cape Town, the National Institute for Communicable Diseases, and other institutions, have led the HERStory 1 and 2 studies which evaluate the AGYW programme.
HERStory 1 |
Study Title: HERStory 1 – An evaluation of a South African combination HIV prevention intervention for adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) Description: The HERStory Study is an evaluation of the South African combination HIV-prevention intervention for adolescent girls and young women (AGYW). The first phase of the evaluation has been completed. Aims/Objectives: The primary objective of the HERStory Study was to determine the intervention impact on HIV incidence. Secondary objectives include assessing the intervention impact on HIV risk behaviour, other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and cognitions, behaviour, and social environments of AGYW. |
HERStory 2 |
Study Title: HERStory 2 – Process evaluation of the combination HIV prevention intervention for adolescent girls and young women (AGYW), Global Fund grant period 2019 to 2022 Description: A process evaluation of the AGYW combination intervention being implemented during the 2019 to 2022 Global Fund grant period. Aims/Objectives: The aim was to assess whether the intervention was being implemented as planned and whether the implementers were on a trajectory to achieve the outcomes, with reference to the theory of change for the intervention being delivered in the grant period 2019 to 2022. |
HERStory Reseach Briefs
We are releasing a series of research briefs focusing on the findings from the HERStory studies. From 2016 to the present day, the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB and Malaria (the Global Fund) has invested in a combination intervention for adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) aged 10 to 24 years in priority districts in South Africa, with the aim of reducing HIV incidence, teenage pregnancy, and gender-based violence and increasing retention in school and access to economic opportunities.
A team of scientists at the South African Medical Research Council, together with colleagues from Brown University School of Public Health, the University of Cape Town, the National Institute for Communicable Diseases, and other institutions, have led the HERStory 1 and 2 studies which evaluate the AGYW programme.
The HERStory research brief series focuses on the health, education and well-being of adolescent girls and young women in South Africa. Using the findings from the studies evaluating the AGYW programme, we outline key areas of concern, summarise key findings, and outline implications for policy and practice.
The studies described in the research briefs show that innovative programmes like the donor-funded programme we have been evaluating, are showing promise. Our research identifies aspects of these programmes that are impactful and aspects that could be strengthened in the future. These programmes are making a difference to the lives of AGYW and should be strengthened and implemented widely.
When strengthening programmes for AGYW, it is important to take into consideration that our research, and much other research, shows that AGYW in these districts are vulnerable due to structural issues such as poverty, poor education systems, gender power imbalances, unresponsive public health services, and communities that might not be supportive of their needs. Programmes need to focus on these aspects of the context in which AGYW live so that AGYW can be safe, thrive, and live healthy lives.
Reports
HERStory 1: Evaluation of a South African Combination HIV Prevention Programme for Adolescent Girls and Young Women | |
![]() HERStory 1 Report 1: AGYW Survey 2017-2018
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![]() HERStory 1 Report 2: Qualitative Evaluation Component
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HERStory2: Process evaluation of the combination HIV prevention intervention for adolescent girls and young women (AGYW), Global Fund grant period 2019 to 2022 | ||
![]() HERStory2 Report 1/5: Overview of Findings and Combined Recommendations
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![]() HERStory2 Report 2/5: AGYW Survey
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![]() HERStory2 Report 3/5: Qualitative Evaluation
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![]() HERStory2 Report 4/5: Leadership and Management Evaluation
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![]() HERStory2 Report 5/5: Record Review
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Research Outputs
HERStory 1
Peer reviewed papers |
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HERStory 2
Peer reviewed papers |
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Conference outputs
Media
HERStory in the media
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Contact Details |
Please contact us if you would like further information about the study.
South African Medical Research Council - Principal Investigator: Catherine Mathews (English, Afrikaans): catherine.mathews@mrc.ac.za South African Medical Research Council – Co-Principal Investigator: Kim Jonas (Swati, Zulu, Xhosa, Sotho): Kim.Jonas@mrc.ac.za South African Medical Research Council – Co-Principal Investigator: Zoe Duby (English): Zoe.Duby@mrc.ac.za South African Medical Research Council - Ethics Committee: Adri Labuschagne (English, Afrikaans): 021 9380687 |
We care about the health and well-being of young women and girls!