Youth-Friendly HIV Care That Works
Peer Support Transforming HIV Care
Dream Village Rwanda’s CATS (Community Adolescent Treatment Supporters) program delivers a proven, youth-friendly HIV care model that achieves strong treatment outcomes through peer support and community-based care.
Young people living with HIV receive support from trained peer supporters who understand their realities, challenges, and experiences firsthand.
The result is a model that improves trust, adherence, mental wellbeing, and long-term health outcomes.
The CATS Peer Support Model
Community-based support designed around youth realities.
Dream Village’s CATS model places trained peer supporters across 12 health facilities in Kigali.
Who Are CATS?
CATS are young adults aged 18–30 who are themselves living with HIV and trained to support peers through:
Counseling and mentorship
Medication adherence support
Home visits and follow-up
Psychosocial care
Referrals and health education
The model was adapted from Zvandiri/Africaid Zimbabwe in 2019 and has since been endorsed by the Rwanda Biomedical Centre for national scale-up.
Health Services Available
Measured Health Outcomes
These outcomes reflect the power of peer-driven, youth-centered health systems.
Why Peer-Led Care Matters
Young people are more likely to engage in care when they feel understood and respected.
Peer supporters help reduce:
– stigma
– isolation
– fear of disclosure
– treatment disengagement
By connecting youth with peers who are successfully managing their health, the CATS model creates stronger motivation and long-term adherence.
Who Can Access Care
All services are provided free of charge.
How to Access Services
- Visit one of our partner health facilities
- Request to speak with a CATS peer supporter
- Complete enrollment and support assessment
- Begin receiving services and follow-up support
Health Facility Locations
Dream Village currently operates across 12 health facilities located in:
– Gasabo District
– Kicukiro District
– Nyarugenge District
Community outreach and home visits are also available for vulnerable participants.
Integrated Into Rwanda’s Health System
The CATS model is officially endorsed by the Rwanda Biomedical Centre and integrated into Rwanda’s HIV prevention and treatment structures.
Dream Village also participates in national Technical Working Groups and supports training for health providers on youth-friendly service delivery.
More Than HIV Services
Dream Village combines medical support with psychosocial care, peer mentorship, and community engagement to create a more human-centered health system for youth.
This integrated approach improves not only viral suppression, but confidence, resilience, and long-term wellbeing.