Supported by AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF Zambia) Fighting Stigma, Fueling Demand, and Empowering Young Lives.

In the vibrant communities of Batoka and Shampande, a transformative movement is underway, led by the Youth Prevention Advocacy Campaign (Y-PAC). More than just an awareness initiative, Y-PAC is a bold campaign that challenges stigma, builds trust, and empowers adolescents and young people (AYP) to take charge of their sexual and reproductive health.

In-School Sessions: Breaking Barriers with Knowledge and Empathy

Y-PAC’s school-based sessions are dynamic, interactive, and deeply engaging. Recognizing that stigma is one of the greatest barriers to care, the project designs activities that foster openness and confidence:

• “True/False & Ask Me Anything” Quizzes help students challenge myths and misconceptions around HIV, contraception, and SRHR.
• “Consent & Boundaries” Role-Plays teach learners to assert their rights and respect others, cultivating a culture of empathy and accountability.
• “Testing Journey Walk-Throughs” demystify HIV testing, making the process familiar and less intimidating.

These sessions don’t just inform, they inspire. When young people understand the ‘why’ and ‘how’ of prevention, they become proactive health seekers and peer advocates.

Driving Demand Through Accurate Information

At the heart of Y-PAC is a commitment to clarity, compassion, and credibility. Every message is tailored to resonate with young audiences, ensuring that SRHR education is not only accurate but also relatable. This approach has led to:

• Increased demand for HIV testing and counseling services
• Greater uptake of prevention tools like condoms and PrEP
• Enhanced confidence among youth to seek care without fear or shame

Community Ownership: From Awareness to Action

Y-PAC’s holistic strategy ensures that education leads to lasting behavior change. Through initiatives like the “Our Community, Zero Discrimination Pledge,” young people and community members commit to creating stigma-free environments. Out-of-school sessions and support groups reinforce these messages, ensuring no one is left behind. The enthusiastic participation from learners and youth groups reflects the urgent need for such interventions, and the readiness of young people to lead the charge.

 Looking Ahead: Strengthening Momentum with RAHi

As Y-PAC continues to expand its reach, the upcoming integration of RAHi promises to deepen its impact. With RAHi’s arrival, Zambia’s adolescent health landscape is poised for even greater transformation, anchored in youth leadership, accurate information, and stigma-free service delivery.

STORY OF CHANGE: YOUNG VOICES BREAKING STIGMA IN BATOKA AND SHAMPANDE

Youth Prevention Advocacy Project (Y-PAC) Supported by AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF Zambia)

In Batoka and Shampande, a quiet but powerful shift is taking place. Young people are stepping forward, not just as learners, but as leaders, thanks to the Youth Prevention Advocacy Project (Y-PAC). Supported by AIDS Healthcare Foundation Zambia, Y-PAC is redefining how adolescents and young people (AYP) engage with their sexual and reproductive health rights (SRHR).

From Silence to Strength: Shampande Secondary School Pupil’s Story

Young people, aged around 16-year-old from Shampande Secondary School in Choma, had always felt uncertain about seeking HIV testing. That changed when Y-PAC facilitators visited their school. Through interactive activities like “True/False & Ask Me Anything” and “Consent & Boundaries Role-Play,” the pupils learned not only the facts about HIV transmission and prevention, but also how to assert his rights and support his peers.

“I realized that knowing my status is part of taking care of myself,” testifies one of the activity participants. After participating in the “Testing Journey Walk-Through,” I visited a youth-friendly clinic for the first time. Now, he encourages others to do the same.

Empowering Through Education

Y-PAC’s in-school sessions are designed to dismantle stigma and build trust. By combining accurate information with engaging formats, the project ensures that young people feel safe, heard, and empowered. These sessions have led to:

• Increased demand for HIV testing and SRHR services
• Improved understanding of consent, boundaries, and discrimination
• Greater confidence among youth to seek care and advocate for their health

Beyond the Classroom: Building Community Ownership

Y-PAC’s impact extends beyond school walls. Out-of-school sessions and support groups reinforce key messages and create safe spaces for ongoing dialogue. Initiatives like the “Our Community, Zero Discrimination Pledge” unite youth and adults in a shared commitment to stigma-free living.

These efforts are laying the foundation for a healthier, more inclusive future, where young people are not just recipients of care, but active agents of change.

Looking Ahead: Strengthening Youth Health with RAHi

As Y-PAC continues to grow, the upcoming integration of RAHi promises to amplify its reach and deepen its impact. With RAHi’s support, Zambia’s youth health landscape is poised for even greater transformation, anchored in leadership, inclusion, and evidence-based advocacy.