Synopsis "Zambia Operational Plan Report FY 2013"
The recent 2012 UNAIDS World AIDS Day Report showed significant improvements in HIV and AIDS-related results globally. In general, new HIV infections declined among children; there were fewer AIDS-related deaths; and there were increased investments in the response to HIV and AIDS. Zambia, like many countries, has recorded significant improvements in all three key areas. According to the report, between 2001 and 2011, Zambia reduced new HIV infections by 58%, while the country also cut AIDS-related deaths by more than 50%. The 2007 Zambia Demographic and Health Survey (2007 ZDHS) measured adult HIV prevalence at 14.3%. With the population currently standing at 13.1 million people with 61% in rural areas and 39% in urban areas, Zambia still has one of the world's most devastating HIV and AIDS epidemics, with more than one in seven adults living with HIV. Infection rates are twice as high in urban as in rural areas, while life expectancy is estimated at 49 years in what is still a generalized epidemic [UNAIDS Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic (2010)]. The HIV epidemic is geographically diverse, with provincial prevalence levels ranging from 6.8% to 20.8%. The Northern and Northwestern provinces have the lowest prevalence, just below 7%. Both provinces are predominantly rural, with low population density and high levels of poverty. In contrast, Lusaka, Central and Copperbelt Provinces are more densely populated, with large urban areas and have prevalence levels of 17% and higher. The most recent UNAIDS Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic (2012 UNAIDS) estimated Zambia's HIV prevalence among 15-49 year olds to have declined to 12.5%. The country is awaiting the results of the newly-started DHS that will enable an update to the most recent HIV and AIDS statistics. The six key drivers of the HIV and AIDS epidemic in Zambia are: 1) high rates of multiple concurrent partnerships; 2) low and inconsistent condom use; 3) low rates of voluntary medical male circumcision (VMMC); 4) population mobility; 5) vulnerable groups with high risk behaviors; and 6) mother-to-child transmission (MTCT). In addition, other factors such as gender inequality, disparity, socio-cultural practices, and stigma interact with these drivers to sustain high levels of risk and vulnerability.
