Only 21 years old, Thormilson Thompson bears a burden that exceeds his years, playing a key role in determining how healthcare services are provided to thousands of teenagers.
He is not the only one bearing this responsibility.
Alongside a small group of young individuals, Thompson is part of the Adolescents Advisory Committee, an organization created to make sure that Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), also known as Doctors Without Borders, adolescent health initiative in the Mbare and Epworth areas of Harare addresses the genuine needs of teenagers and young people, both within the clinics and throughout the community.
In Zimbabwe, young people frequently encounter social stigma, anxiety about being judged, insufficient privacy, and a scarcity of environments that are welcoming to youth, all of which prevent them from accessing crucial sexual and reproductive health services.
Introduced in 2024, the 12-person panel represents the variety of Zimbabwe's young population.
Its members consist of teenage mothers, young individuals who previously used drugs, youth engaged in sex work, and students, providing insights that reflect the challenges experienced by teenagers throughout the nation.
The committee convenes every three months to assess development and offer suggestions to MSF regarding necessary enhancements. In addition to official meetings, members interact with other groups, exchange insights, and utilize tools like WhatsApp to inform colleagues and encourage youth participation in outreach efforts.
"The advisory committee is valuable as we represent the perspective of young individuals in the project," Thompson stated.
As young individuals and part of this community, we are aware of the critical areas. We are in the best position to guide MSF.
The panel serves as a connection between the clinics and the local population.
"It removes false information, such as myths that MSF services come at a cost, and makes sure young people know that the services are free and available," he stated.
Via the Adolescents Advisory Committee, teenagers are more than just patients; they are key collaborators in developing care that is suitable for their age group.
So far, their contributions have not only enhanced services but also importantly ensured that the services are suitable, relevant, and address the needs of young people in Mbare, Matapi, and Epworth.
A major suggestion from the committee was implementing evening outreach initiatives to engage teenagers who couldn't participate in day-time programs. From that point on, an increasing number of young individuals have utilized the services.
In 2025, the services supported by MSF at three locations in Mbare, Matapi, and Epworth documented 10,622 consultations with teenagers, showing a notable rise compared to 8,481 in 2024 and 7,907 in 2023.
In 2025, the group of adolescents between the ages of 15 and 19 represented the biggest portion, with 4,732 consultations.
During the same time, MSF collaborated with certified peer educators and committee members from Mbare, Matapi, and Epworth to determine where youth gather and where assistance was most required.
This program enabled the team to engage 24,475 teenagers within the community and an additional 25,943 in healthcare centers via outreach efforts.
"We serve as the ears for MSF," Thompson stated.
We let them know what is effective and what is not
For teenagers such as Yvonne Mombeshora, who visits the Mbare Adolescent Friendly Clinic, the effect is clear.
The services we get here are excellent," Mombeshora stated. "We obtain our medication without any shortages. While waiting, we get health education and have time to play games. The staff are kind, and the volunteers are aware of our requirements.
In addition to HIV treatment, the clinics provide a range of other services as part of the comprehensive health package for teenagers.
"Besides antiretroviral drugs, we receive sanitary pads, birth control methods, condoms, and care for other conditions, including those unrelated to sexual and reproductive health," she stated.
I am able to go to the clinic whenever I want.
Nelson, who is 22 years old, started using services in Mbare in December 2023. He was born with HIV and had previously obtained his medication from a different location.
"In other clinics, you are grouped with people of all ages and varying requirements. Here, we have our own clinic. And the services are free," he says.
This clinic helps teenagers support one another since we gather here.
For Mirabelle Gavi, being part of the committee enhances her efforts in promoting sexual and reproductive health, empowering young people, and addressing issues related to drug use.
Expressing opinions on matters without offering assistance is pointless, she states. Individuals will not regard you with credibility.
Gavi, also serving as a young member of parliament and former youth mayor, is in her last year at Epworth High School.
She remembered expressing worries about Solani, a high-risk zone in Epworth that was not being accessed by peer educators. MSF addressed this by sending out outreach teams.
"That filled me with pride, joy, and a sense of honor to be a member of the committee," Gavi stated.
At present, MSF is providing adolescent-focused services at three locations: the Mbare Adolescent Friendly Clinic, which is nurse-led and fully medical; the Matapi Youth Hub, which is peer-led and assisted by a nurse and social worker from Mbare twice a week; and the Epworth Youth Centre, also peer-led, with support from a nurse and a social worker three days each week.