The Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia (CIDRZ) participated in the HIV/AIDS youth dialogue hosted by the Centre for Health Action and Research in Zambia (CHARZ) at the University of Zambia (UNZA).

The dialogue was aimed at raising awareness of issues surrounding HIV/AIDS prevention, stigma, and control and a platform for young people to identify their responsibilities towards the eradication of HIV/AIDS in society through knowledge and skill acquisition.

The program under the theme: “Expanding Youth Response To HIV/AIDS In Zambia” is set to champion the universal agenda for sustainable development, priorities, and targets as outlined in the African Health Strategy and Catalytic Framework to End AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria by 2030.

Pregnant and Parenting Girls (P2G) Project – Program Manager, Ms.Brenda Kayumba said CIDRZ is working with the Ministry of Health (MoH) to improve access to quality healthcare through innovative capacity development, exceptional implementation science and research, and impactful and sustainable public health programs, including adolescent-focused programs.

She noted that with support from various funders, CIRDZ has over the years established and supported several youth-friendly spaces within MOH facilities in Lusaka, and Western provinces, that help to improve access to health services for adolescents and young people (AYP) in Zambia.

She added that the initiative by CHARZ to mobilise young people to be at the forefront of the fight against HIV/AIDS is highly commendable and should be supported. She further mentioned that CIDRZ strives to work with adolescents and young people in the design and implementation of adolescent-focused programs in order to ensure effective and impactful results.

Ms. Kayumba explained that CIDRZ has an online mobile application called “MY SAFE SPACE” that provides information about Sexual Reproductive Health Rights and HIV services available for AYP. The application promotes interactions with trained youth counsellors who are available to assist youths or adolescents who find it hard to interact with health personnel at the health facilities for various reasons. Other information found on the application includes various topics of interest to adolescents such as prevention of teenage pregnancies, drug and alcohol abuse, gender-based violence, mental health, etc.

The CHARZ organised youth dialogue was also attended by the National AIDS Council Director General, Dr. Connie Osbourne and Prof. Nkandu Luo. Others in attendance were musical artist Wezi and comedian/politician Mr. Thomas Sipalo.