Restitution workshop of A-STHreet project results: recommendations to improve access to health services for adolescents living on the streets

On July 21, 2026, the amphitheater of INFAS at the CHU de Treichville hosted the workshop to present the results of the A-STHreet – CIPHER 039 project, focused on access to HIV testing services, other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and their use by adolescents aged 10 to 19 living on the streets in Côte d'Ivoire. Organized using a participatory approach, this meeting brought together key institutional actors, researchers, and partners involved in promoting the health of the most vulnerable adolescents.

The ceremony was chaired by the Minister of Women, Family, and Children, Ms. Nassenéba Touré, represented by Dr. Amethier Solange. Also in attendance were Mr. Yao Nicolas, representing the National Program Coordinator for the Care of Orphans and Other Children Made Vulnerable by HIV (PNOEV); Mr. Enan Assemien Behiri Michel-Gerard, representing the National Coordinator of the National Program for the Protection of Vulnerable Children and Adolescents (PPEAV); Mr. Seydou Ouattara, National Coordinator of the National School and University Health Program – Adolescent and Youth Health (PNSU-SAJ); and Professor N'Dri Yoman Thérèse, Coordinator of PACCI/PRISME CI.

Led by Dr. Touré Frank, the project lead, participants reviewed the main findings of the study, which highlight the challenges faced by street-living adolescents in accessing HIV and STI testing services. The discussions also enriched the research conclusions through contributions from various stakeholders and helped identify recommendations to improve interventions for this particularly vulnerable population.

Beyond the presentation of scientific results, this workshop served as a true dialogue space between public institutions, national programs, researchers, civil society organizations, and technical partners. It reflects a shared commitment to strengthening policies and strategies to ensure better access to prevention, testing, and care services for HIV and other STIs among street-living adolescents.

Through this initiative, PAC-CI reaffirms its commitment to producing high-quality scientific data to inform decision-making and contribute to developing innovative, needs-based responses for the most vulnerable populations in Côte d'Ivoire.