A group of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in Zambia, including Jhepeigo and Circle of Hope, has opened six community health posts to identify more people living with HIV/AIDS and provide them with support.
Development Diaries reports that the community health posts were opened in Ndola’s Nkwazi, Pamodzi, Mwange, Kaloko, Masala in Ndola and Buchi Kamitondo in Kitwe towns, where more people have been brought on care and treatment.
The Copperbelt Provincial Health Director, Charles Mwinuna, at the launch of the health posts at Kalewa Barracks, Ndola, noted that combined efforts from stakeholders are key to achieving the provision of quality primary health services closer to the people.
SDG Three: Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages
‘We recognise and appreciate Jhepeigo that has been an all-weather partner to the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Defence in various health programmes and activities supporting the government of the republic of Zambia for many years’, Lusaka Times quoted Mwinuna as saying.
Project Director for Jhepeigo, Nancy Ziyongwe, said community health posts launched in military communities and surrounding areas are providing HIV services that include testing and treatment.
A 2021 report by Centre for Diseases Control shows the prevalence of HIV by provinces in Zambia, revealing that among adults aged 15 years and above, HIV prevalence varied geographically across the country.
HIV prevalence ranged from 1.9 percent for women aged 15–19 years to 30.5 percent for women aged 45–49 years; and from 1.8 percent for men aged 20–24 years to 28.8 percent for men aged 50–54 years.
Photo source: Lusaka Times