NAC Zambia nac.org.zm
The National HIV/AIDS/STI/TB Council (NAC) has highlighted the contribution of the Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights–HIV Knows No Borders (SRHR-HIV KNB) Project in strengthening cross-border collaboration and continuity of healthcare during the project’s close-out meeting held at Crystal Springs Hotel in Chipata, Eastern Province.
The meeting brought together local government leaders, Government provincial and district heads of departments, implementing partners and other stakeholders to reflect on the project’s achievements, share lessons learned and discuss ways of sustaining its gains.
The meeting was graced by the Mayor of Chipata, His Worship Mr. Jonstone Silungwe, who recognised the contribution of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and its partners to health interventions and efforts to address community challenges. Other participants included Mr. Joseph Yowela, IOM KNB Project Team Lead, and Kalyata, Regional Coordinator for Save the Children, alongside Government representatives and other stakeholders.
Representing NAC, Provincial AIDS Coordination Advisor (PACA), Mr. Pemphe Kalanga, highlighted the project’s contribution to regional and cross-border collaboration, particularly in Eastern Province, which serves as a migration corridor linking Zambia with neighbouring countries.
A key achievement was the development of referral directories linking health facilities and service points in border areas. These directories help connect clients to appropriate health services as they move between communities and countries, supporting continuity of care for people living with HIV and others requiring ongoing healthcare.
The initiative underscores the importance of considering population mobility when planning and delivering HIV prevention, treatment, care and support services. Effective referral systems and cross-border coordination can help reduce interruptions in care and ensure that people on the move remain connected to essential health services.
As the project concludes, sustaining its gains will require continued collaboration among Government institutions, health facilities, implementing partners and other stakeholders. The partnerships, referral mechanisms and lessons generated through the KNB Project provide a valuable foundation for strengthening HIV and sexual and reproductive health programming in Zambia.
NAC recognises that an effective multisectoral HIV response must reach everyone, regardless of where they live or move. Strengthening continuity of care across communities and borders remains essential to improving access to healthcare and advancing efforts to end AIDS.
