Over the past three years, the Community Adolescent Treatment Supporter (CATS) model has emerged as a transformative approach to HIV care among young people living with HIV.

This peer-led Differentiated HIV Service Delivery model, which began in 2021, has achieved remarkable improvements in health outcomes for adolescents living with HIV across six districts in Zambia.

The Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia, through its USAID ECAP III project and with technical assistance from Project Hope, is spearheading the CATS program.

USAID ECAP III Deputy Chief of the Party Webby Kanjipite praised the CATS model for its significant impact on adolescent care.

“The model has substantially improved treatment adherence and fostered greater openness about HIV status. We have seen notable advancements in health management, including a significant reduction in viral loads and increased transparency among adolescents regarding their HIV status,” Mr Kanjipite noted.

Mr Kanjipite further stated that scaling the model to additional sites would significantly benefit more young people and enhance health outcomes.

The CATS model is now active in four districts, Chongwe, Chilanga, Kafue, and Lusaka, and has demonstrated remarkable effectiveness in young people living with HIV.