Community HIV Voluntary Counseling Tournaments

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HIV in Zambia

In 2017, Zambia had an 11.5% adult HIV prevalence (ages 15-49) with 1.1 million people living with HIV and approximately 48,000 new HIV infections per year.^[1]

Despite overall progress in the decrease of new infections, among young women, the prevalence of infection is more than double that of young men. The factors contributing to this disparity are complex and multi-fold:

• Gender-based power imbalances — In Zambian culture, women have traditionally had less power in relationships and are often victims of gender-based violence
• Limited educational access — Young women have significantly less access to educational services due to responsibilities in preparing food and caring for children at home
• Cultural barriers — Significant misconception surrounding HIV testing and fear of negative consequences

The Gender Disparity

Among adolescents and young adults (ages 15-24) in Zambia, young women face HIV prevalence rates more than double that of young men. Research shows that in 2016, 6.5% of young women were living with HIV compared to 2.8% of young men in this age group.^[4]

Barriers to Testing

A compounding factor are the significant barriers to an individual being tested for HIV in order to learn their status. Research from Sub-Saharan Africa identifies multiple obstacles:^[6]

• Stigma and discrimination — Fear of community judgment and social isolation
• Confidentiality concerns — Worries about privacy and who will learn their status
• Fear of positive results — Anxiety about potential diagnosis and its implications
• Lack of perceived risk — Belief that they are not at risk of infection
• Access barriers — Distance to facilities, cost, and time constraints
• Gender-based barriers — Women needing partner permission or fearing intimate partner violence