A groundbreaking initiative is bringing HIV prevention services directly to schools and communities in Cape Town through mobile clinics operated by the Desmond Tutu HIV Foundation.
The project, known as FAST PrEP, is increasing access to pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for young people, offering them a range of prevention options, including an HIV prevention pill, a vaginal ring, and a long-acting injection.
At Woodlands High in Mitchells Plain, one of 16 participating schools and colleges, mobile clinics set up during school breaks and after classes, providing students aged 15 and older with PrEP, contraceptives, and treatment for sexually transmitted infections. The initiative also operates in other key locations, such as Philippi Village and local retail centers.
The success of the program was highlighted at the recent Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections (CROI) in San Francisco, where Elzette Rousseau from the Desmond Tutu HIV Foundation presented research on its impact. Since launching in August 2022, the initiative has reached over 14,000 young people, with 10,000 accessing PrEP through the mobile clinics. Notably, 8,500 of those were adolescent girls and young women, a group particularly vulnerable to HIV infection.
The data also shows that 74% of participants opted for the long-acting injection over other forms of PrEP, citing convenience, discretion, and fewer perceived side effects as key factors. The program’s effectiveness has been attributed to its mobile accessibility, peer support, and targeted social media campaigns.
FAST PrEP has leveraged local influencers on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook to promote HIV prevention as a relatable and empowering choice. The program also consults an 80-member youth reference group to shape messaging and ensure its approach resonates with young people.
Securing buy-in from schools was a major milestone for the project, with approval granted by the Western Cape Department of Education. Schools welcomed the initiative, provided governing bodies were consulted and operations did not interfere with exams.
In addition to HIV prevention, the mobile clinics offer other essential health services. The project employs peer navigators to guide young people through the process, a biometric filing system for efficient record-keeping, and experienced nurses to administer treatments, including the PrEP injection.
With up to 30 patients seen daily at each mobile clinic, FAST PrEP continues to expand its reach, ensuring that young people in Cape Town have access to the latest and most effective HIV prevention tools in a way that is accessible, youth-friendly, and stigma-free.
