At the May 2023 Deaf Girls Camp, a powerful moment of care and inclusion unfolded as The AIDS Support Organisation (TASO) partnered with camp organizers to offer voluntary HIV testing and counseling to the participants.

For many of the deaf girls in attendance, this was the first time they encountered health services delivered in an environment that respected both their dignity and communication needs. The TASO team ensured that sign language interpreters were available, making the experience both accessible and empowering.

Beyond testing, the session served as an educational opportunity, offering critical information about HIV prevention, sexual and reproductive health, and the importance of regular checkups. For deaf girls, who are often left out of mainstream health outreach due to communication barriers, this was more than a service—it was a message: “Your health matters.”

By integrating health screenings into the camp experience, Deaf Girls Rescue and TASO demonstrated a model for inclusive healthcare, one where every young woman, regardless of ability, has the knowledge and support to make informed decisions about her health and future.