Adolescents and young adults in Kenya are disproportionately affected by HIV/AIDS, accounting for 40% of new infections in the country, with females bearing a higher burden. Factors such as HIV-related stigma, inadequate knowledge, community norms and structural barriers hinder HIV testing and treatment behaviour among adolescent boys and girls and young men and women.

The project will develop an AI-based chatbot that incorporates slang to enhance HIV testing, status awareness and status disclosure while addressing discrimination and stigma towards adolescents and young adults seeking testing and treatment. The chatbot seeks to reduce new HIV infections among this group by providing information and support.

The principal investigator is Victoria, a health informatics expert and lecturer at the University of Embu with extensive experience in implementing information technology for positive health outcomes. She has published various research works in the field of health informatics and has received training on protecting human participants, ensuring that the project adheres to ethical and legal guidelines.