Empowering youth voices in the fight against HIV: How illuminAid is supporting peer-led video education in Equatorial Guinea

Around the world, adolescent girls and young women face disproportionately high risks when it comes to HIV and other sexual and reproductive health challenges. In low- and middle-income countries, a complex web of social, cultural and economic barriers continues to hinder access to trusted health information and services. While Social Behavioral Change Communication (SBCC) interventions have shown promise in increasing awareness and demand for HIV prevention, we still see that high-quality, community-driven approaches remain underutilized.

In collaboration with UNICEF in Equatorial Guinea, illuminAid is launching a youth-led video storytelling initiative to tackle HIV prevention barriers in local communities. The project targets adolescents who are too often left out of traditional health communication efforts due to stigma, misinformation and a lack of youth-friendly content.

By equipping young people with the tools, skills and platforms to create their own videos, illuminAid’s Video Education Workshops foster peer-to-peer learning and authentic storytelling. The workshops will train 40–50 youth to script, film and edit compelling short videos on HIV prevention, stigma, gender norms and adolescent health. Each training group receives a media kit tailored for low-resource settings, including battery-powered projectors and solar recharging gear, ensuring videos can reach rural and out-of-school audiences.

But the effort goes far beyond video production. A year-long capacity development program ensures participants continue to lead outreach, with support from local trainers, quarterly consulting from illuminAid staff and a video creation incentive program. The project will culminate in at least 75 video screenings paired with facilitated discussions and feedback from community audiences, laying the groundwork for sustainable SBCC practices that center youth voices.

For NGOs and partners committed to youth empowerment, health equity, and participatory communication, this initiative offers an exciting model that combines creative technology, behavioral science, and local leadership. As the global health community seeks more evidence-based, scalable and inclusive SBCC strategies, illuminAid’s approach offers both inspiration and opportunity for meaningful collaboration.