The University of Zambia HIV and AIDS Response Programme

The University of Zambia HIV and AIDS Response Programme, located on University of Zambia  main campus, was formed in 2005 as an implementing body of the University Committee on HIV and AIDS (UCA). The initiative was borne out of the recognition of the significance of the impact of HIV and AIDS on the University community such as debilitating illness and death of students, members of staff and their families. Furthermore, the University is sensitive to the pivotal role it plays in the production of a quality human resource for the development of Zambia, and the subsequent negative implications of the HIV/AIDS pandemic to the social and economic development of the country in the long run.

Operations of the Response unit
The facilitator role of the unit has been strengthened at the University in that there are associations and clubs whose mandate is HIV and AIDS mitigation and prevention. These are;

1. Stop HIV/AIDS Reach Every Student (SHARES) – HIV prevention, peer education
2. Universities of Zambia, Malawi, Namibia and University of Western Cape Peer Educator project (ZAMANAWE)
3. Faith Based HIV and AIDS Desk (FHAD)
4. Post test Club (PTC)

In addition to the above, the unit works closely with;

5. University of Zambia Students’ Union (UNZASU, the mother body of all clubs/associations)
6. Children in Need Network (UNZACHINA)
7. Population Studies Association (UNZAPOPSA)
8. Women for Change UNZA support group (WfC)
9. UNZA Service Learning Club
10. UNZA Medical Students Association (UNZAMEDSSA)
11. UNZA Pharmacy Students Association (UNZAPHARMSA)
12. UNZA Psychological Association (UNZAPSASS)
13. UNZA Football Association (UNZA CHIPOLOPOLO)
14. UNZA Social Work Association (UNZASWA)
15. UNZA Sociology Association (UNZASA)
16. UNZA Drama Club (UNZADRUMS)
17. University of Zambia Workmates Association  (The only staff association)

Collaborating partners and Activities supported

1. SAIH (Norwegian Students and Academics International Assistance Fund) - Program office and baseline studies, policy formulation and Strategic plan (2005 – to date)
2. USAID: CIRDZ – PEPFAR Antiretroviral therapy package
3. USAID: PAS - Abstinence be faithful student leadership program (2006 – 2008)
4. ZAWECA/ZAMANAWE -  Peer education
5. UNICEF -  Peer education
6. UNDP - Capacity assessments by UNZA for government
7. UNFPA - Information
8. World Bank - Institutional support
9. WHO - Attempted regional coordination
10. The Zambia Malayalee Cultural Association  -  Office block
11. Association of Commonwealth Universities. - Computers, stationery and HIV campus debates
12. University of Toronto  - Regional knowledge network
13. University of Western Cape - Norwegian support to peer education
14. Universities of Malawi, Namibia - Norwegian support to peer education
15. University Dar-es-salaam - Regional knowledge network
16. Moi University - Regional knowledge network
17. Port Harcourt Nigeria - Regional knowledge network