Strategies to Promote HIV Self-Testing and Long-Acting Injectable PrEP Among Ghanaian Youth: Results from the Y-FIT GH National Crowdsourcing Open Call

Abstract

Abstract Crowdsourcing is a participatory problem-solving approach that engages a large and diverse group of individuals to generate ideas or solutions. In HIV prevention, it provides a structured mechanism for involving youth in shaping intervention strategies. The Innovative Tools to Expand Youth-Friendly HIV Self-Testing and Long-Acting Injectable PrEP Uptake in Ghana (Y-FIT GH) National Open Call applied this method to generate youth-driven ideas to promote HIV self-testing (HIVST) and long-acting injectable PrEP (LAI-PrEP) in Ghana. This study describes youth responses to the open call and identifies strategies they proposed to strengthen HIV prevention among their peers. Ghanaian youth aged 15–24 years were invited to submit creative entries illustrating how HIVST and PrEP could be promoted and accessed by young people. Submissions were received through online platforms and community-based channels between May and August 2025. Following independent review, 103 eligible entries from 12 regions were qualitatively analyzed using an inductive multimodal approach. Written narratives (32%), posters (19%), and audiovisual pieces (18%) were the most common. Six interconnected thematic domains were identified: (1) HIVST and PrEP as pathways to autonomy, safety, and self-respect; (2) creative, peer-led, and culturally resonant communication; (3) multilevel, hybrid delivery models prioritizing accessibility, familiarity, and privacy; (4) stigma shaping youth engagement; (5) gaps in navigation, support, and trust in existing services; and (6) AI and AI-enabled chatbots as emerging channels for confidential information and peer support. The contest effectively engaged Ghanaian youth and generated actionable, contextually grounded strategies to enhance HIVST and PrEP uptake.