The Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia (CIDRZ), through its ViiV-funded Accelerating Access for Boys and Young Men (ABYM) Project, successfully conducted a comprehensive Psychosocial Counselling and HIV Testing Training for Peer Educators from 13th to 19th April 2026 at VenYou Events Centre in Lusaka.

The training, delivered in collaboration with the Ministry of Health’s Mental Health and Counselling Services Department, aimed to strengthen the capacity of peer educators to provide integrated HIV and mental health services to adolescents and young people.

Speaking on the sidelines of the training, Dr. James Zulu, Project Manager for the ViiV ABYM Project, emphasised the critical role of peer educators in bridging gaps in HIV prevention and care among young people.

“This training equips our peer educators with the skills to provide psychosocial support, conduct HIV testing, and link young people to care in a way that is non-judgmental, confidential, and youth-friendly,” Dr. Zulu stated. “By integrating mental health and HIV services, we are addressing the holistic needs of adolescents and young men, who often fall through the cracks of traditional health systems.”

The seven-day training combined both theoretical and practical sessions, covering counselling skills, including group and couple counselling, alongside foundational knowledge on HIV and AIDS, Test and Treat, and index or network testing. Participants were also trained in HIV testing, the benefits of ART, viral load suppression, U=U, and CD4 count interpretation. Additional focus areas included mental health, alcohol and drug addiction, working with adolescents, supporting treatment adherence and retention in care, as well as effective linkage to care and referral methods.

Participants engaged actively in role-plays, case studies, and group work, building both their competencies and confidence in delivering these critical services. The training also provided an opportunity for peer educators to share challenges and best practices, fostering a supportive network for ongoing learning and collaboration.

The ViiV ABYM Project is part of CIDRZ’s broader efforts to improve HIV outcomes among adolescent boys and young men in Zambia through community-led, integrated approaches. This training contributes to strengthening community-based HIV prevention and enhancing the quality of services tailored to the unique needs of young people.