WHO is organizing this webinar to promote integrated, inclusive and evidence-based interventions to support and enhance safe disclosure to improve HIV and other health outcomes for children and adolescents.
Date and time
Tuesday, 4 November 2025 | 13:00 – 15:00 CET
The webinar will be in English with interpretation in French and Portuguese.
Objectives
- to present an overview of the WHO technical brief on improving access to integrated services including HIV through faith platforms;
- to discuss models of implementation of disclosure specific and disclosure-inclusive interventions and operational considerations; and
- to dialogue with leaders and partners on the way forward and share ideas on inclusive engagement to improve health outcomes for children and adolescents.
Background
Disclosure is a continuing challenge for children and adolescents, with limited evidence for effective interventions. When done the right way, disclosure can lead to significant benefits, increased social support, reduced stress, and improved mental health. However, disclosure decisions can be particularly complex and should consider potential risks and benefits. This requires an up-to-date understanding of the evidence on disclosure interventions for this age group. The social, relational, and systemic considerations emerging from the evidence are central to promoting safe disclosure.
This year, WHO has published new guidance that describes in detail considerations and actions on how disclosure could be done safely, and existing interventions, informed by a scoping review, to support children and adolescents living with HIV in the process of disclosure.
Key speakers
- Christina Laurenzi, Associate Professor, Institute for Life Course Health Research, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg, South Africa
- Nicola Willis, Executive Director, Zvandiri, Zimbabwe - Zvandiri quality improvement team
- Dorothy Dow, Assistant Professor, Pediatric Infectious Diseases, KCMC-Duke Collaboration (Tanzania) - Sauti ya Vijana
- Wole Ameyan, WHO, Switzerland
- Video: Walking in My Shoes: Rudo-Disclosure (Zvandiri)
- Moderator: Dr Martha Mukaminega, Associate Director, EGPAF