Chawama, Lusaka – Ascend Futures Foundation (AFF), in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Chawama First Level Hospital, convened a high-level community engagement meeting on Thursday, January 29th, with 30 Community Advisory Board (CAB) members at Chawama Level One Hospital. The meeting focused on strengthening community leadership, accountability, and demand creation in the rollout of long-acting injectable Lenacapavir (LEN) for HIV prevention.
The engagement brought together a diverse and influential group of community stakeholders, including Neighbourhood Health Committees, school head teachers, the Zambia Police (GBV & Victim Support Unit), local council representatives, market leadership, GBV community champions, civil society organisations, and young people. Their participation underscored the importance of whole-community ownership in advancing HIV prevention.
Purpose of the Engagement
The primary goal of the meeting was to actively engage the Community Advisory Committee (CAC) in Chawama and strengthen community-driven demand creation and accountability mechanisms for the rollout of Lenacapavir.
Lenacapavir represents a major advancement in HIV prevention, with the potential to significantly reduce new infections when communities are well informed, engaged, and supported. However, innovation alone is not enough; strong, functional Community Advisory Boards are essential to ensure access, trust, and uptake.
Key Highlights from the Ministry of Health
Speaking during the meeting, Dr Chimika Phiri, HIV Prevention Lead at the Ministry of Health, highlighted that:
- 40% of new HIV infections in Zambia occur among young people, with adolescent girls and young women disproportionately affected.
- Lessons learned from the CAB-LA rollout are being applied to ensure that Lenacapavir provision is accessible and non-restrictive, extending beyond narrowly defined populations or limited service sites.
- Reaching just 5% of each high-risk population with LEN could reduce new HIV infections by 25–35%.
- The Ministry plans to roll out Lenacapavir services across more than 500 sites nationwide.
- A new consignment of Lenacapavir arrived in Zambia on 28 January 2026, with all preparatory activities completed and a clear national rollout roadmap in place.
Zambia’s Leadership in HIV Prevention
Zambia continues to demonstrate global leadership by advancing choice-based HIV prevention, recognising that prevention is cost-effective, sustainable, and central to epidemic control. As one of the first countries globally, alongside Eswatini, to administer Lenacapavir at the community level, Zambia’s progress depends on strong collaboration, community accountability, demand generation, myth-busting, and stigma reduction.
The Ministry of Health reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining HIV prevention gains by mitigating funding gaps and preventing drug stockouts through domestic resource mobilisation. This includes setting aside government funds for future Lenacapavir procurement.
To ensure long-term impact beyond donor support, the Ministry is prioritising cost-effective, community-centred delivery models, including the demedicalisation of HIV prevention. Plans are underway to expand access to Lenacapavir through community-based pharmacies and public–private partnerships, making prevention services more accessible, resilient, and sustainable.
The Critical Role of Community Advisory Boards
Community Advisory Boards are not merely extensions of health facilities. They serve as the eyes, ears, and voice of the community, with a vital responsibility to:
- Share accurate and timely information
- Build trust and reduce stigma
- Create demand for HIV prevention services
- Hold programmes accountable to the people they serve
When communities are informed, involved, and heard, HIV prevention works.
Appreciation and Acknowledgements
AFF extends its sincere appreciation to Chawama First Level Hospital, the Ministry of Health, and all partners who participated for their leadership and collaboration in advancing community-led HIV prevention.
Special recognition goes to the AIDS Vaccine Advocacy Coalition (AVAC) for its generous support, which made this engagement possible and continues to strengthen the learning, functionality, and impact of Community Advisory Boards.
Together, we are strengthening community systems, expanding prevention choice, and moving closer to HIV epidemic control.
For more information on Lenacapavir and community-led HIV prevention, please connect with Ascend Futures Foundation.
