LOBAMBA – UNFPA Eswatini, working with NERCHA and the Eswatini National Youth Council, deployed 130 peer educators at the 2026 National Reed Dance to engage young people on sexual health, HIV prevention and gender-based violence.
The initiative formed part of the Khulisa Umtfwana Social Behavioural Change Communication Campaign, implemented under the Safeguard Young People programme.
Held under the theme, “Eswatini Sivikela Umliba Sinika Imfundvo Siyatiphephisa KuHIV,” the campaign was conducted at the Reed Dance camp site in Lobamba, where thousands of young women and girls gather annually for the cultural event.
Peer educators led small group discussions aimed at creating safe spaces for participants to access information and speak openly about sexual and reproductive health and rights, HIV prevention, delaying sexual debut, prevention of gender-based violence, and positive cultural norms and values.
The programme also used music, drama, edutainment, group discussions, a live social and behavioural change communication panel discussion, and community engagement to reach young people with health messages.
UNFPA Eswatini said the campaign sought to equip young people with knowledge that can help them make informed decisions while respecting the cultural importance of Umhlanga.
“When young people are empowered, communities thrive. Every young person counts.”
“Sichakazile sitakuncoba kuhlukubeteka”
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