Vertical (mother-to-child) transmission of HIV and syphilis continues to contribute to adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes in Zambia. The country faces a high HIV burden, with an estimated prevalence of 8.7% among adults aged 15–49 years in 2023. Adolescent girls and young women (15–24 years) accounted for nearly two-thirds of new infections, and the vertical HIV transmission rate—including breastfeeding—was 6.6% in 2023. The 2015–2018 Population-based HIV Impact Assessment reported a 3% active syphilis prevalence in those aged ≥15 years
Although Zambia has integrated PrEP services and dual HIV/syphilis testing into routine ANC and PNC, limited evidence exists on how these services function in real-world healthcare settings. To address this gap, the Institute of Tropical Medicine (Antwerp, Belgium) and Zambart conducted a formative qualitative study in two healthcare facilities in Lusaka to explore how PrEP and dual HIV/syphilis testing are being integrated into ANC/PNC. Participants included Ministry of Health representatives, ANC/PNC healthcare providers, and pregnant and postpartum women aged 18 years and older.
The study team recently held a local stakeholder meeting to share the findings from this formative research. Results showed that participants valued the integration of PrEP and dual HIV/syphilis testing into ANC/PNC, noting improvements in service efficiency, accessibility, privacy, and clients’ health status awareness. Strengthening integration will require continued investment in robust health systems, supportive policies, and engagement with communities and male partners.
Zambart and ITM look forward to embark on the second phase of the project, funded by the Research Foundation Flanders (FWO).