OVERVIEW OF HIV/AIDS IN ZAMBIA

• The first case was identified in 1984 at UTH
• Since then a number of interventions have been tried to mitigate the impact
• Largely, age group 19 - 49 yearas is heavily affected - 16%
• More than 700,00 orphans are as a result of HIV/AIDS
• Women tend to be affected at a tender age than males
• High infection rates in urban areas than in most rural areas

MODES OF TRANSMISSION

• Mainly through unprotected intercourse with an infected partner
• Mother to Child (during pregnancy, delivery and breast feeding)
• Blood transfusion in case of un screened blood
• Contaminated sharps
• Men who have sex with other men

FACTORS FUELING THE EPIDEMIC

• Multiple sex partners
• Untreated STIs
• Poverty / Ability to pay
• Some traditional beliefs (dry sex, cleansing, intiation ceremonies, etc.,)
• Sex work
• Low condom use / low risk perception / low knowledge levels on transmission
• Some traditional beliefs (dry sex, cleansing, intiation ceremonies, etc.,)
• Seasonal jobs (sugar cane cutters at Nakambala)
• Low VCT uptake (low percentage of people know thier status)
• Inadequate drugs and other support services for PMTCT

OPPORTUNISTIC INFECTIONS

• Carposis Sarcoma
• Herpes Zoster (viral complications)
• Tuberculosis
• Cryptococal Meningitis

MANAGEMENT OF HIV/AIDS

• State of mind - free your mind and go for VCT
• Nutrition - eat balanced diet meals
• Anti Retro-viral Therapy (ARVs)
• Correct and consisten use of condoms