In Zambia, an estimated 1.3 million orphans and vulnerable children and adolescents are infected with, or affected by, HIV. The USAID Empowered Children and Adolescents Program provides holistic, needs-based services to vulnerable children, adolescents, and their caregivers through three local implementing partners working in districts across seven provinces. The program works in partnership with health facilities, schools, and other community structures including the Zambian Ministry of Community Development and Social Services.
GOALS
GOAL ONE
Support vulnerable children and orphans and their families to be stable by improving household economic security and linkage to social protection.
GOAL TWO
Support vulnerable children and orphans and their families to be safe by improving child protection and prevention of gender-based violence.
GOAL THREE
Support vulnerable children and orphans and their families to be schooled by improving school retention and progression.
GOAL FOUR
Support vulnerable children and adolescents and their families to ensure that they are healthy and that those on antiretroviral medication are virally suppressed.
KEY RESULTS FOR 2023
- Nearly 90,000 orphans, vulnerable children, and their caregivers affected by HIV were provided critical services including education support and primary prevention of HIV and sexual violence.
- Nearly 5,000 vulnerable children and adolescents younger than 20 years were determined to be at risk for HIV infection and were referred for HIV testing. Of these children referred for testing, nine (<1%) were newly diagnosed as HIV positive and were linked to life-saving HIV treatment.
