Nkaikela Youth Group is an organisation that provides HIV/AIDS support structures to key populations, encouraging them to lessen risky sexual behaviors and reduce HIV/AIDS transmission. The organization has been in existence since 1988 and has primarily focused on responding to the high rate of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) and HIV infection among key populations in Tlokweng. The organization was legally registered in 2004
We have an ongoing outreach program targeting female sex workers, truck drivers, and men who frequent bars and shebeens who are potential clients of sex workers. NYG distributes condoms to local community members frequenting these places. To strengthen our condom distribution campaign, NYG has trained bar owners and tenders on condom distribution and the importance of availability at all times.
NYG currently implements a project focusing more on the provision of Biomedical and behavioural services. This includes counselling and testing for HIV, STIs, and TB. NYG refers clients to a local clinic for further treatment.
Additionally, NYG engages in behaviour change activities, mainly group level intervention, peer education, and outreach to help promote safer and healthy behaviours among our clients. Behaviour change models like the Health Belief model as well as Socio-Cognitive Theory are used to guide these interventions. The organisation promotes key behaviours, including the correct and consistent use of condoms during all sexual encounters, reduction in alcohol consumption, early treatment for STIs, HIV and TB as well as adherence to treatment.