BESHTE

Overview

This AI-based chatbot is designed to support adolescents and young adults by promoting HIV testing, status awareness, and safe status disclosure through relatable, slang-informed conversations. By addressing discrimination and stigma around HIV testing and treatment, the chatbot creates a safe, non-judgmental space for young people to seek information and support. During the pilot phase, users spent an average of 16 minutes interacting with the chatbot, indicating strong engagement and early signs of acceptance among youth.

Responsible AI practices

The chatbot uses both English and Swahili, often blending the two to reflect local slang and make conversations more relatable for young users. Its knowledge base was co-developed with adolescents, healthcare providers, and youth-focused stakeholders to ensure relevance and accuracy. The chatbot features an interactive, user-friendly interface, promotes sensitivity around HIV-related issues, and prioritizes data privacy to create a safe and trusted space for engagement.