To ensure alignment of the U.S. Department of State-funded Controlling HIV Epidemic Project (CHEP) with the Zambian Ministry of Health priorities and HIV intervention strategies, the  U.S. Department of State delegation, led by the Health Coordination Office Director, Ms Francheskie Velez, and the Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia (CIDRZ) delegation, led by the CHEP Chief of Party, Dr Maurice Musheke, conducted high-level courtesy calls to the District Health Offices in Ndola, Kitwe, and Luanshya.

The engagements formed a key part of CHEP’s onboarding process and reinforced coordinated action and a strategic partnership with the Ministry of Health to sustain quality, client-centred HIV services.

Discussions focused on strengthening and deepening collaboration, enhancing HIV service delivery, and ensuring that CHEP interventions effectively respond to community needs and align with the Ministry of Health’s priorities. The engagements underscored a shared commitment to improving health outcomes and delivering impactful, people-centred HIV care for Zambians.

At the district level, the team engaged with key health officials, including Dr Sahera Shanti, Clinical Care Specialist in Ndola, and Mathews Lubo Kiyembe, the HIV Coordinator at the Ndola District Health Office.

In Kitwe, the discussions involved Dr Marie-Jose Odimba, Clinical Care Specialist, Grace Banda, ART Coordinator, and Lessy Haziyu, Adolescent Health Focal Point Person. In Luanshya, the team met with Dr Blessing Singogo, the District Health Director.