The Effect of the Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) Program on Adolescents’ Girls: A Case of Kawama, Mufulira District

HIV/AIDS remains a major health challenge for adolescent girls, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. This study aimed to assess the impact of the PrEP program on HIV prevention among adolescent girls in Kawama Compound, Mufulira. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 50 girls aged 15–19 years, using structured questionnaires and face-to-face interviews, with stratified random sampling to ensure representation across age, education, and geographic zones. The results showed that while 88% were aware of PrEP, only 25% had comprehensive knowledge, and among those eligible (84%), just 50% initiated PrEP older adolescents being more likely to start. Adherence was problematic, as 38% discontinued and only 54% of users maintained high adherence, with 72% reporting community-level stigma as a barrier. Ultimately, only 14% achieved effective protection through sustained, high-adherence use. The study thus, concluded that, despite high awareness, the program faced significant challenges in knowledge, uptake, and adherence, highlighting the need for interventions targeting stigma reduction, better education, youth-friendly services, and adherence support to improve PrEP outcomes for adolescent girls.