The Sustain and Improving the Gains for HIV and TB GC7 project, funded by the Churches Health Association of Zambia with support from the Global Fund, is celebrating a successful first year of empowering adolescents and young people in the Choma and Kazungula districts with improved access to quality HIV and sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services. The project’s achievements reflect a strong commitment to enhancing youth health outcomes, and the results speak for themselves.

A key achievement has been the establishment of 11 thriving peer support clubs, exceeding the project’s initial target. These safe spaces provide adolescents with a vital sense of community, offering a supportive environment where they can share experiences, receive guidance, and find support related to their health and well-being. This has proven remarkably effective, with project-supported interventions contributing to a 30% reduction in new HIV infections in the district, according to the Kazungula District Health Office. To further promote youth participation and healthy behaviours, the project has launched engaging programs including: Sports Friday Club and Debate Competitions, encouraging healthy discussions and critical thinking; Weekly Youth Hub Sessions, providing a platform for youth to discuss health and receive guidance; and GBV Awareness Engagements, targeted campaigns educating communities and promoting supportive environments for survivors.

This success is further amplified by the project’s extensive outreach efforts. Activities in Choma district have strengthened community-based HIV testing and raised awareness, encouraging young people to get tested and access necessary services. Crucially, the project has engaged with influential community leaders through numerous meetings, fostering understanding and support for vital topics such as PrEP, GBV, SRH, VMMC, life skills, and health education.

Recognizing the crucial role of peer influence, the project, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, has trained 75 peer educators as Community-Based Distributors (CBDs). These young leaders are now equipped to disseminate critical health information to their peers, particularly in areas with high rates of teenage pregnancies, significantly extending the project’s reach and impact.

Collaboration is at the heart of the project’s success. Strong partnerships with the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Education, and traditional and community leaders have been essential for effective implementation and ensuring that services truly meet the needs of the community.

The Sustain and Improving the Gains for HIV and TB GC7 project remains steadfast in its dedication to improving the health and well-being of adolescents and young people in Choma and Kazungula. With continued stakeholder support, the project is confident in achieving its goals and making a lasting positive impact, not only addressing immediate health needs but also empowering a generation of informed and healthy young adults.