A delegation from the United States Department of Defense HIV/AIDS Prevention Program (DHAPP) headquarters recently visited the Defence Force of Zambia (DFZ) health facilitiesto evaluate progress in the Department of Defense (DoD) HIV/AIDS Prevention Program.

The DHAPP delegation, led by Dr Anne Thomas, Chief of the Strategic Information Branch and VMMC Prevention Lead, conducted an extensive tour of some facilities, including Maina Soko Hospital, Charles J. Nyirenda Hospital, the Defense School of Health Sciences, and other strategic sites.

During their visit, the delegation observed innovative advancements such as alternative power solutions, cutting-edge digital tools for SmartCare Pro implementation, and the deployment of Starlink and biometric technology to enhance data management.

Dr Thomas lauded the partnership between DFZ, PEPFAR, CIDRZ, and DHAPP, recognising it as a model of coordinated efforts to boost healthcare quality for the country’s uniformed staff and its surrounding community.

“It is inspiring to witness the progress made by DFZ health facilities in modernising their health information systems. Seeing the challenges firsthand helps us identify gaps and determine the right partners to address them,” She shared.

Dr Thomas noted that deploying the SmartCare Pro electronic health record system and introducing biometric patient identifiers are significant steps forward in enhancing the quality and accessibility of HIV services for military personnel, their families, and surrounding communities.