Zambia

Approximately 1.2 million people are living with HIV in Zambia. According to the National HIV/AIDS Strategic Framework, 2017 – 2021 (NASF, 2017), The Zambian HIV epidemic is mainly driven by unprotected heterosexual sex, with 90% of new infections recorded as a result of not using a condom. Other drivers of new infections include Multiple and Concurrent Partnerships (MCPs); low and inconsistent condom use; low male medical circumcision, mother to child transmission and marginalized and underserved populations.

Zambia has made progress in reducing the prevalence of HIV in the general population and increasing access to treatment. The government and partners are aware of the social, economic, and political impacts of HIV/AIDS and have made universal access to HIV prevention services and treatment a major strategic goal.

Since 2007, AHF Zambia has worked in collaboration with government and community organizations to expand testing and treatment programs in 13 districts. In 2009, AHF Zambia introduced a mobile testing unit to provide hard-to-reach communities with free HIV testing, treatment, and condoms. AHF Zambia created the Provider Initiated Counseling and Testing (PICT) program in 2012 to increase HIV testing. The program trains volunteer counselors who conduct testing at inpatient health clinics. AHF Zambia is focused on expanding geographically, training more healthcare workers, and further developing the infrastructure of current sites. The program is providing care and treatment to over 71,000 clients as of June 2018.

AHF Zambia’s three stand-alone clinics are known for providing high-quality HIV treatment and services for over 15,000 clients as of June 2018. AHF Zambia’s mobile testing units provide free rapid HIV testing and condom distribution in public places such as markets and bus stations. The program has also partnered with local organizations to offer door-to-door testing and counseling, and link those who test positive to care. Since 2010, AHF Zambia has distributed over 11 million condoms and tested about 1,255,556 people. Other services include laboratories and pharmacies. Additionally, AHF Zambia trains future healthcare workers to care and treat people with HIV/AIDS. In 2016, an estimated 1.2 million Zambians are living with HIV, out of the 15.9 million total population. An estimated 59,000 new HIV infections occurred in 2016. Gender prevalence amongst adults (15-49) shows women at 14.5% compared to men at 10.3%. Out of the 1.2 million Zambians living with HIV, approximately 800,000 are on treatment.


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Girls Act empowers girls and young women to stay healthy and thrive! We work to prevent HIV and STI
infections, help young women and girls remain on treatment if HIV-positive, reduce unplanned pregnancies, and
support them to stay in school.
To learn more about Girls Act or HIV testing, please get in touch with us at [email protected].

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AHF Zambia
Plot No. 32, Bishops Road, Kabulonga, Lusaka, Zambia.

+260211262104
[email protected]

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Clients in Care: 105,130 (As of January 2023)



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Adults and children living with HIV: 1,300,000*

Adults 15-49 prevalence rate: 10.5%*

Adults 15+ living with HIV: 1,300,000*

Women 15+ living with HIV: 780,000*

Orphans (0-17) due to AIDS: 620,000*

*Source: UNAIDS – Zambia – 2021