Comprehensive Youth Healthcare for Rwanda’s Young People

An integrated system delivering HIV prevention, treatment support, SRHR, and mental health services to help young people stay healthy and thrive.
health care worker testing our beneficiary

What is the Youth Health Care Program?

A comprehensive approach addressing every dimension of youth health.
Youth Healthcare Programs

Dream Village’s Youth Health Care Program is not a single intervention. It is a coordinated system that supports young people across the full spectrum of health needs.

From HIV prevention and treatment to sexual and reproductive health, mental wellbeing, and nutrition support, the program ensures that young people receive continuous, holistic care.

Our Impact

Delivering measurable improvements in youth health outcomes.

84% viral suppression rate
95.5% viral load testing coverage
2,896 youth served (Q1 2025)
335 home visits conducted
3,582 health centre contacts
325 HIV tests facilitated
42 new cases linked to care
600+ teen mothers supported

Our Integrated Approach

Combining multiple interventions to address real-life challenges faced by young people.

CATS Model

Peer-Led HIV Support

Improving adherence and outcomes through peer support.

Through Community Adolescent Treatment Supporters, trained young peer supporters provide counselling, adherence support, home visits, and community outreach across 12 health facilities.

Key Results (Q1 2025):

  • 84% viral suppression rate
  • 3,582 health centre contacts
  • 335 home visits

CSE

Comprehensive Sexuality Education

Providing accurate, age-appropriate health education.

In partnership with Health Development Initiative Rwanda and supported by SIDA, we deliver comprehensive sexuality education across health centers and rehabilitation facilities.

The program equips young people with knowledge on relationships, rights, and reproductive health.

SRHR

Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights

Ensuring access to essential health services and information.

SRHR is integrated across all programs, addressing contraception, menstrual health, prevention of teen pregnancy, gender-based violence, and reproductive rights.

HIV Test

HIV Testing and Linkage to Care

Early detection and immediate access to treatment.

We provide HIV testing through schools, communities, and health facilities. All individuals who test positive are immediately linked to care and supported through the CATS model

Key Results (Q1 2025):.

  • 325 youth tested
  • 42 new cases identified
  • 100% linked to care

Wakakosha Program

Mental Health Support

Supporting emotional wellbeing and self-worth.

Wakakosha, meaning “I Am Worthy,” focuses on addressing depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem among young people living with HIV.

The program is based on evidence-based approaches and continues to expand with new partnerships.

Nutrition

Teen Mothers Nutrition Program

Supporting vulnerable young mothers.

In partnership with AIDS Healthcare Foundation, we support over 600 teen mothers with nutrition, counselling, and adherence support.

The program ensures pregnant and breastfeeding young women receive integrated care.

CSE StakeholdersCo ()
Youth Healthcare Services program

CSE

Comprehensive Sexuality Education

Providing accurate, age-appropriate health education.

In partnership with Health Development Initiative Rwanda and supported by SIDA, we deliver comprehensive sexuality education across health centers and rehabilitation facilities.

The program equips young people with knowledge on relationships, rights, and reproductive health.

CSE StakeholdersCo ( ()
CSE Gitagata

Why Integrated Youth Health Care Works

Addressing the real challenges young people face.

Young people’s health challenges are interconnected. HIV treatment adherence can be affected by mental health, stigma, economic conditions, and social barriers.

An integrated approach ensures that these challenges are addressed together.

By combining peer support, education, mental health services, and system strengthening, Dream Village creates an environment where young people can access care, stay engaged, and improve their overall wellbeing.

More Than Services. A System That Works.

A scalable model for improving youth health outcomes in Rwanda.

The Youth Healthcare Program is designed not only to deliver services, but to strengthen systems.

By integrating peer-led support with health facility strengthening and national alignment, Dream Village creates a model that can be scaled across Rwanda.

a group meeting of peer members / beneficiaries

Partner With a Proven Youth-Led Model

Support Youth Health in Rwanda

Partner with Dream Village to expand access to integrated health services for young people.

Partner With Us
Support Our Work
Frequently Asked Questions

The Youth Health Care Program by Dream Village is a comprehensive initiative that supports young people in Rwanda through HIV prevention, treatment support, sexual and reproductive health services, and mental health care. The program integrates peer-led support with health system strengthening to improve long-term outcomes.

Young people in Rwanda face challenges related to HIV, access to sexual and reproductive health services, mental health, and economic vulnerability. Addressing youth health is critical for national development, as early intervention leads to better long-term health and social outcomes.

Dream Village improves HIV outcomes through a peer-led model where trained young people support others living with HIV. This approach increases adherence to treatment, reduces stigma, and improves viral suppression rates, currently averaging around 84 percent among supported youth.

Dream Village supports thousands of young people across Rwanda. In recent reporting periods, the organization has served over 2,800 youth in a single quarter through integrated health interventions.

Dream Village works closely with the Rwanda Biomedical Centre and participates in national Technical Working Groups. The program is aligned with Rwanda’s HIV and youth health strategies and contributes to strengthening national systems.

Dream Village combines peer-led support, clinical integration, and community engagement. Unlike traditional programs, it addresses not only medical needs but also social, economic, and psychological barriers that affect young people’s health.

The program includes HIV testing and treatment support, comprehensive sexuality education, sexual and reproductive health services, mental health support, nutrition programs for teen mothers, and health facility strengthening.

Through programs such as Wakakosha, Dream Village provides psychosocial support, counselling, and safe spaces for young people. These services address depression, anxiety, and self-esteem challenges that impact health outcomes.

Young people are reached through schools, communities, and health facilities. Those who test positive are immediately linked to treatment and supported through peer-led follow-up to ensure adherence and retention in care.

The program provides targeted support to teen mothers, including nutrition, counselling, and health services. This ensures both mother and child receive proper care, especially in cases involving HIV.

Dream Village tracks key indicators such as viral suppression rates, number of youth reached, HIV testing and linkage to care, and improvements in mental wellbeing. These metrics ensure accountability and continuous improvement.

Donors can support Dream Village by funding program expansion, supporting peer-led models, strengthening health systems, and investing in youth empowerment initiatives. Partnerships enable scaling of proven approaches across Rwanda.

Yes. The program is designed for scale and is already integrated into government systems. With additional funding and partnerships, it can expand to more districts and reach more young people nationwide.

Dream Village works with national and international partners including the Rwanda Biomedical Centre, Plan International Rwanda, Health Development Initiative, UNAIDS, and other development organizations.

Investing in youth health leads to long-term social and economic benefits. Supporting young people improves public health outcomes, reduces future healthcare costs, and strengthens communities and national development.

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