By Sandra Chuungu
Approximately 1.2 million people in Zambia live with HIV. The National HIV/AIDS Strategic Framework (2017-2021) reveals that the Zambian HIV epidemic is primarily driven by unprotected heterosexual sex, accounting for 90% of new infections due to inconsistent condom use.
Other factors contributing to new infections include multiple and concurrent partnerships, low male medical circumcision, mother-to-child transmission, and marginalized populations.
While Zambia makes progress in reducing HIV prevalence and increasing access to treatment, sex workers in Lusaka face a severe condom shortage.
A recent visit to Kalingalinga Road, a popular spot, found sex workers struggling to access condoms.Getrude Monde (not her real name) confessed to having unprotected sex due to the scarcity of male and female condoms. Although she didn’t disclose her HIV status, she fears contracting and spreading the virus if the situation persists.
The government and partners recognize the social, economic, and political impacts of HIV/AIDS and have made universal access to HIV prevention services and treatment a strategic goal.
