To strengthen HIV prevention strategies in defence force medical facilities, the CIDRZ Defence Force Prevention Project partnered with the Defence Force Medical Services (DFMS) of Zambia with the support from Department of War at the U.S Embassy Zambia organised a Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) training for healthcare workers serving in Defence Force facilities.

The training, which took place in Kabwe District, covered both the widely available daily oral PrEP and novel long-acting injectable PrEP options, including Cabotegravir and Lenacapavir.

Dr Chimika Phiri, the Ministry of Health HIV Prevention Focal Point Person, attended and officiated the training on behalf of the Ministry. The CIDRZ team was led by Dr Michael Kabongo, while Lt. Col. Evans Kabaso led the DFMS team.

Thirty healthcare providers from 12 initial Defence Force sites across the country participated in the training, preparing for the imminent launch of PrEP services in the coming weeks.

Additional trainings are planned to cover the remaining sites as part of the national rollout plan.