This guide will help you prepare, conduct and administer remote care and support using a virtual platform like WhatsApp. The guide includes 19 stepwise sessions that cover a range of important health and life skill areas with additional resource links.   

Sessions in the attached guide are based on the YCC workbook sessions as developed by Wits RHI and Cool Communications, a monthly newsletter developed by ANOVA Health Institute. This guide was developed by ANOVA who sought to continue providing support to young people living with HIV during the period of COVID-19 lockdowns. As restrictions are lifted, there will be a continued need to offer this type of support.  Remote and virtual groups can reach more young people, offers convenience and structured support between clinic visits or face to face support meetings. 

Through the Unfinished Business Consortium in South Africa, supported by ELMA Philanthropies PATA worked with ANOVA Health Institute to structure, strengthen and design these virtual sessions further to become a replicable tool. We are happy to share the final guidance with consortium and network partners in the hope that you may benefit from these lessons and adaptations made during COVID-19. We are confident that these sessions, with their practical guidance can be used as is or adapted for local settings into a virtual space, facilitating engagement, and offering quality care and support.