A joint delegation from the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation (CIFF) and Population Services International (PSI) recently visited Zambia to monitor the activities implemented under the CIFF HIVST Funds.

The HIVST M&E Strengthening Project, supported by CIFF through the Global Fund and implemented in partnership with the Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia (CIDRZ), aims to address longstanding gaps in the HIVST M&E Cascade and ensure the effective tracking of HIV self-testing (HIVST) outcomes.

Speaking during a courtesy call to the Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary for Donor Coordination, Dr George Sinyangwe, the CIFF and PSI delegation highlighted the importance of implementing innovative tools designed to improve data collection and reporting for HIV self-testing.

The delegation said the new M&E tools provide accurate insights into HIVST’s reach and effectiveness, particularly among populations less likely to access traditional health facilities.

In welcoming the delegation, Dr Sinyangwe highlighted the critical role of donor funding in strengthening Zambia’s health systems while commending CIFF and PSI for their support in advancing HIV self-testing.

“Donor funding is crucial to bolstering Zambia’s health systems, and we deeply appreciate CIFF and PSI’s efforts in advancing HIV self-testing. This initiative ensures that communities with limited access to traditional health facilities can easily and safely know their HIV status,” said Dr Sinyangwe.

During their stay in Zambia, the CIFF and PSI delegation also gathered feedback on the operationalisation of the new HIVST M&E tools directly from healthcare providers and provincial health officers, with an eye towards scaling the tools nationwide if successful.