DEEPROOTS is Youthplus’s community-led platform for bringing trusted health information, HIV prevention services and referral support closer to underserved communities.

The initiative, titled Deepening Engagement and Participation of Grassroots Communities for Reduction of HIV Incidence in Adolescent Girls and Young Women in the Lake Victoria Basin, was developed to strengthen community participation and improve access to HIV prevention information and services. It has grown into a practical community systems approach that also engages boys and young men and supports broader wellbeing.

The Community Vital Information Kiosk Model

At the centre of DEEPROOTS is a network of Community Vital Information Kiosks. These are accessible community points where people can ask questions, receive trusted information and connect with health and support services.

The model combines physical kiosks with trained Peer Community Advisors, community engagement and referral relationships. Kiosks have supported information and access relating to HIV testing, HIV self-testing, condoms, PrEP and PEP information, sexual and reproductive health, psychosocial support and referrals.

How the Model Works

• Community access: Bringing health information and prevention support closer to where people live and work.
• Peer-led engagement: Peer Community Advisors support conversations, information sharing and connections to services.
• Confidentiality and dignity: Creating approachable channels for questions and support, including anonymous questions and digital communication.
• Referral pathways: Connecting community members with health facilities and service providers.
• Partnership: Working with local structures, health providers and development partners to support continuity and quality.

DEEPROOTS Got You Bro

DEEPROOTS also developed an engagement approach for adolescent boys and young men. Got You Bro seeks to involve boys and young men as partners in HIV prevention, gender equality and healthier communities, recognising the importance of positive masculinities and shared responsibility.

DEEPROOTS Motema

DEEPROOTS Motema builds on the community platform to put communities at the heart of HIV care, wellbeing and support. Its concept includes Motema Circles, a Motema Wellness Curriculum, a Motema Wellness Kit and a Motema Podcast. These elements are intended to support community conversations, wellbeing knowledge and access to support.

Reported Programme Achievements

Youthplus’s organisational profile records the following achievements across its programme work. The profile does not specify the reporting period, so these figures are presented as reported profile figures and should not be interpreted as current-year totals or verified unique reach.

The People Behind DEEPROOTS

Peer Community Advisors and programme teams are central to the DEEPROOTS approach, bringing trusted information and community connections closer to young people and other community members.

Learning, Dialogue and Community Engagement

Partnership and Learning

DEEPROOTS has been supported by ViiV Healthcare Positive Action. Youthplus has worked with health and community partners to support access to commodities, referrals and local delivery. The experience has generated learning about community access, trusted peer engagement, local service pathways and the importance of sustaining community-based prevention approaches.

We welcome collaboration with organisations interested in community health systems, HIV prevention, youth engagement, gender equality and locally led innovation.

DEEPROOTS in Action

These photographs capture different parts of the DEEPROOTS approach, including peer engagement, curriculum development, stakeholder dialogue and community-level HIV prevention outreach.

Taking HIV Prevention Services Closer to Communities

Through mobile community outreach, Youthplus takes HIV prevention information, testing support and wellness services closer to people where they live, work and gather. The DEEPROOTS mobile outreach approach helps reduce access barriers, encourages open conversations about HIV and connects community members to appropriate prevention and care services.