A recent adolescent HIV testing and reproductive health outreach in George Compound has been described as a model for integrated, community-based health services. Organised by the Ministry of Health in collaboration with CIDRZ and other partners, the event brought essential adolescent services directly to the community.

Programme Officer at Lusaka District Health Office (LDHO), Ms. Mwaanza C. Machila, noted that the drive provided immediate access to services such as contraceptives, HPV vaccinations, distribution of information, education and communication materials, counselling, and family planning.

Meanwhile, District Guidance and Counselling Coordinator from the District Education Board (DEBS), Mr. Brighton Musonda Chipenya, highlighted the significance of the initiative in educating in-school adolescents to live healthy lives.

“We are confident that learners have gained knowledge about where to access the services they need to lead meaningful lives. This outreach empowers young people with essential information about available services, laying a foundation for their growth and well-being. When we refer to adolescents, we mean learners currently attending school,” said Mr. Chipenya.

Mr. Chipenya urged the Ministry of Health and its partners to sustain these programmes to ensure that adolescents in school consistently benefit and receive the support they need.

CIDRZ Community Interventions Officer, Mrs. Mwelwa Chabala N’gona, emphasised the importance of weekend outreach events, which aim to enhance multisectoral collaboration and integration in improving access to youth-friendly health services and increasing awareness of prevention services related to broader sexual and reproductive health (SRH) issues.

“With many young people out of school during weekends, this is the perfect opportunity to reach them with testing and prevention messages tailored to their needs,” she said.

Lusaka City Council (LCC) Health Education Officer Ms Karen Sakala said the George Township health drive was a success and served as a key platform to promote adolescent programmes.

She added that the LCC Health Education Unit will continue engaging local stakeholders to ensure adolescents receive the information and support needed to make healthy life choices.