Zambart yesterday joined the nation in commemorating World AIDS Day 2025, a significant moment to reflect on achievements in the HIV response and to renew commitment toward ending AIDS as a public health threat. This year’s theme, “Overcoming Disruption: Transforming the AIDS Response,”
The national commemoration, held at Kuku Grounds in Chawama and graced by the Minister of Health, Hon. Elijah Muchima, brought together communities, civil society organisations, researchers, and key stakeholders. The gathering honoured lives affected by HIV and reaffirmed collective dedication to accelerating Zambia’s HIV response.
As part of its continued efforts to improve sexual and reproductive health outcomes, Zambart highlighted its ongoing Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) Study, a vital research initiative focused on adolescent girls and young women aged 15–24 in Lusaka. The study is investigating the relationship between menstrual and intravaginal practices and bacterial vaginosis, a common vaginal infection resulting from an imbalance of normal vaginal bacteria. It also aims to determine the prevalence of BV and measure four curable sexually transmitted infections—Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Trichomonas vaginalis, and syphilis—alongside HIV among participants.
Approximately 350 young women will be invited to provide self-collected vaginal samples for testing. Participation is voluntary, and all participants are thoroughly informed about the study’s objectives, procedures, and potential benefits. This research contributes to the broader goal of improving women’s health, reducing vulnerabilities to infection, and enhancing overall HIV prevention efforts.
On this World AIDS Day, Zambart stood in solidarity with all individuals, families, and communities affected by HIV and reaffirms its commitment Improving Health For All.