Teen Clubs in Malawi: Transforming lives of young people living with HIV
In rural Malawi, where HIV remains a significant health challenge, Teen Clubs are offering a lifeline to young people living with the virus. These clubs provide a safe, supportive space where adolescents can access practical guidance, emotional support, and community – essential tools for navigating life with a chronic illness.
For 18-year-old Nita, who lost her family and now lives alone, Teen Club at Mayani Health Centre has become a place of learning and self-discovery. Since finding out her HIV status, she has been eager to understand her health, relationships, and future. Her curiosity inspired mentors to launch age-specific discussions, addressing the unique questions of older teens navigating intimate relationships. Nita feels reassured knowing she is being prepared for a future where HIV is just one part of her story, and not what defines her.
Lydney, another Teen Club participant, discovered his HIV status at age ten. Overwhelmed by fear, he was convinced his life would be cut short. That changed when he joined the Teen Club at Mtendere Mission Hospital. There, he gained self-confidence, hope, and purpose, as well as a positive outlook on life. Today, Lydney has achieved his dream of becoming a teacher and often returns to Teen Club to mentor others, a living testament to the transformative power of the programme.
Teen Clubs are also empowering caregivers and mentors. Ndiuza Maloya, a mentor at Kangolwa Health Centre, once feared community stigma. She has since embraced her role, dedicating one Saturday each month to walking over 10 kilometers with young members from her village, enabling them to attend the Teen Club. The experience has helped her realize that she is making a tangible difference. “The establishment of Teen Club here has instilled confidence in me,” she says. “Now, I don’t worry about what people will say because I know I am making a difference.”
Parents and caregivers have found strength in the Teen Club programme as well. Elizabeth, from Mchinji, once struggled alone to raise her three children, two of whom are HIV-positive. When Teen Club started at Nkhwazi Health Center in 2015, she saw a remarkable shift in her children’s lives – and in her own. “I was relieved from the stress of adherence support and answering difficult questions,” she says, seeing her children grow into confident, engaged youth. Elizabeth now advocates for including sexual and reproductive health topics in Teen Club sessions, recognising their importance as her children grow older.
Jolamu, a father from Ntchisi, also found hope through Teen Club after learning of his daughter's HIV status. Silivia's involvement in Teen Club has been a source of strength and hope for Jolamu. Seeing her thrive and lead a healthy life has lifted a weight from his shoulders. “I don’t know if Silivia would be alive today if she was not in this programme,” he says, grateful for the support that has given his daughter a chance to flourish. Teen Club not only supports children and parents but also strengthens bonds between caregivers, mentors, and adolescents.
For Olipa, a mother from Dedza, Teen Club changed her daughter Gloria’s life. Since enrolling in 2019, Gloria’s adherence to medication has improved dramatically, and her health has stabilised. “Teen Club has built me,” Olipa reflects. "When I see my child attend Teen Club each Saturday, it gives me confidence in her future.” Olipa now advocates for peer-exchange visits, helping youth feel less alone by connecting with other HIV-positive peers across Malawi.
Fourteen-year-old Mata, from Ntchisi, found new hope and a sense of belonging at Teen Club. Diagnosed with HIV at six, Mata defaulted on treatment for two years before being brought back into care. Now, Teen Club is his safe haven, a place where he can freely interact with peers, share experiences, and gain resilience. “Meeting new friends and seeing that others like me live normal, happy lives is amazing,” he says, finding joy and acceptance within this supportive community.
Teen Clubs in Malawi are more than health initiatives – they also serve as beacons of hope. In addition to medical support, they provide a nurturing space where young people and their caregivers learn, grow, and heal together. Through the dedication of mentors, caregivers, and the young people themselves, these clubs are rewriting the narrative of HIV in Malawi – one story at a time.