Zambia
The HIV prevalence among the adult population (15-49 years) currently estimated at 14.3%. The HIV prevalence among pregnant women dropped by 2.3% from 19% in 2004 to 16.7% in 2006 (Sentinel Surveillance Survey 2006). The 2% decline in national prevalence observed between 2001/2002 and 2007 (ZDHS 2007) was not statistically significant.
Wide variations in HIV prevalence exist according to age, sex and geographic location. HIV prevalence is lowest (4.7%) in the 15-19 year age group (window of opportunity and hope) and highest (23.6%) in the 35-39 year age group (most productive). HIV prevalence is disproportionately higher in females (16.1%) than in their male counterparts (12.3%) and is about twice as high (20%) in the urban areas than the rural areas (10% or less). There are also variations by province with HIV prevalence, ranging from 6.8% in Northern Province to 20.8% in Lusaka Province. Further, HIV prevalence decreased in some provinces such Southern Province where it dropped by 3.1%, while it increased in some provinces (i.e. Western Province where it rose by 2.1%) (ZDHS 2007).
At 14.3%, the HIV prevalence appears to have stabilized at a high level and the number of new infections still outstrip the number of AIDS related deaths (NAC 2004 and 2007). HIV 'prevalance' embraces both people living with HIV/AIDS and new infections, and as such, it is no longer a sensitive indicator of progress with the epidemic. For this reason, planning is focusing more and more on preventing new infections, or HIV 'incidence'. The projected number of new infections is 74,263 in 2008 alone. Over 90% of these new infections are from long term and HIV discordant partnerships (NAC 2008).
Key elements of the national response
HIV and AIDS is the most serious threat to Zambia's development due to its influence on the country's most valued resources: young people, women and the workforce. Combined with its strong connection to the country's achievement of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), the Cooperating Partners (CPs) have deemed it necessary to place AIDS at the top of the development agenda in Zambia.
Zambia has made strides towards mainstreaming gender into the national development process. A mix of policies and interventions that have mainstreamed gender and HIV and AIDS are in place. This includes the creation of an enabling policy environment and Institutional Framework on gender and HIV and AIDS. Examples include development and implementation of FNDP, Vision 2030, HIV and AIDS Policy 2005, Gender Policy 2006 and Population Policy 2007. More specific 'results' in relation to this area of endeavour need to be articulated.
Key Achievements
- Development of the National HIV & AIDS Strategic Framework and Monitoring & Evaluation Plan 2006-2010
- Launch of the policy of providing free and universal access to antiretroviral treatment (ART) in 2003. By 2005 ART was available at 32 out of 34 public hospitals across the country. By 2007, it was available at all hospitals across the country and some clinics
- Increased availability of male condoms across the country
- Dramatic increase in the number of sites offering voluntary counselling and testing across the country.
Key Challenges
- Review the National AIDS Strategic Framework (2010-15) based on latest evidence
- Scale-up prevention intervention taking into consideration the drivers of the epidemic
- Institutional and human resource capacity needs at the sub-national level should be identified and addressed in order to improve client management and community accountability of the national response
- Scale-up nutritional and necessary logistics to support the treatment, care and support programs integrated into prevention services
- Plan for sustainable financing of the national response
- Support community response
- Strengthen leadership in the response
Useful Links
- National Strategic Plan
- Zambia National HIV/AIDS/STI/TB Council
- HIV Prevention Strategy
- National AIDS Spending Assessment
- PMTCT and Paediatric Care and Treatment FactSheet
Contacts
UNAIDS Country Office
P.O.BOX 31966
Lusaka, Zambia
Tel: +260 1 252645
Fax: +260 1 251214
Zambia National HIV/AIDS/STI/TB Council
Ben Chirwa
Director General
35 Independence Avenue
P.O. Box 38718
Lusaka, Zambia
Tel: +260 1255044/255092
Fax: +260 1 253881
Email: nacsec@nacsec.org.zm
Networks of Organisations working on HIV
ZNAN
Elizabeth Mataka
Executive Director
PO Box 32401
Lusaka, Zambia
Tel: +260- 1-256791/92/ 255969
Website: www.znan.org.zm
Email: znan@zamnet.zm
Networks of people living with HIV
NZP+
Clement Mfuzi
National Coordinator
PO Box 32717
Civic Center Building
Lusaka, Zambia
Email: napnzp@zamnet.zm
Global Report 2008 Data
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