NAC Zambia nac.org.zm
The National HIV/AIDS/STI/TB Council (NAC) is coordinating a five-day Social and Behavior Change Technical Working Group (SBC TWG) Meeting at Fringilla Lodge in Chisamba District.
The meeting is reviewing and adapting communication materials to strengthen social and behavior change interventions and support Zambia’s multisectoral HIV response. The review focuses on materials addressing the Elimination of Mother-to-Child Transmission (eMTCT) with particular attention to Hepatitis B, abstinence, teenage pregnancy, and gender-based violence (GBV) in relation to HIV.
Dr Enock Syabbalo, a member of the Hepatitis B Taskforce at the University Teaching Hospital (UTH), highlighted the burden of Hepatitis B in Zambia and the risk of transmission from mother to child. He noted that, without preventive immunization, up to nine in ten infants born to mothers with highly infectious Hepatitis B can develop chronic infection. His contribution underscored the need for accurate and accessible materials that raise awareness of Hepatitis B prevention.
Mr. Ackim Kanyika, Ministry of Education HIV and Wellness Coordinator, highlighted interconnected challenges facing adolescents and young people, including HIV, teenage pregnancy, substance use, mental health concerns and limited access to adolescent-friendly health services. These cross-cutting issues are captured in the new Life Skills and Health Education (LSHE) framework, which underscores the importance of coordinated, age-appropriate communication approaches.
Ms. Jasmine Chinamansa Wamundila, Principal Gender Officer at the Gender Division, spoke on the link between gender inequality, violence and vulnerability to HIV. She explained that violence, unequal power relations and stigma can limit an individual’s ability to negotiate safer sex, thereby increasing vulnerability to HIV. This reinforces the need for materials that challenge harmful social norms, promote gender equality and support safer, informed choices.
The discussions reaffirmed that clear, accurate and culturally appropriate SBC materials play a key role in influencing knowledge, attitudes and behaviors among target audiences. To be effective, materials must be relevant to their intended audiences while providing consistent and reliable information on HIV prevention and related health and social issues.
Through the SBC TWG, NAC is strengthening coordination among partners so that communication materials developed across the multisectoral HIV response are reviewed, aligned and standardized in line with established guidelines. This collaborative approach promotes consistency in public health messaging, enhances the quality of SBC interventions and supports collective efforts towards a more effective and coordinated HIV response in Zambia.
