ZAMPHIA Survey Begins Fieldwork

The Zambia Population-Based HIV Impact Assessment (ZAMPHIA) is now underway! The survey was originally scheduled to take place in 2020 but was paused due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Now that COVID-19 in Zambia has improved, the Government of Zambia, in partnership with Ciheb and others, is moving forward with the relaunch of this PEPFAR-funded assessment and have put in place all necessary safety measures to protect staff and participants. ZAMPHIA is the second ever population-based HIV impact assessment performed in Zambia.

The official relaunch event was held on May 20 in the capital city of Lusaka. Speaking at the event was the Zambia Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary Dr. Kennedy Malama, U.S. Embassy Charge d’Affaires Mr. David Young, and other dignitaries.

"The Government of the Republic of Zambia through the Ministry of Health recognises the value of evidence-based decision making, and the ZAMPHIA survey will be a vital cog in interrogating and assessing performance, [provide] value for money in our investments, as well as identify which parts of our country are not doing well when it comes to the HIV programming. You can only make strategic decisions if your planning is informed by data."

—From remarks by Permanent Secretary Dr. Kennedy Malama

"In addition to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention with funding from the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, we are partnering with the Zambia Statistics Agency, the University of Zambia, the University of Maryland, Baltimore, and other international partners to support the Ministry of Health in completing this survey."

—From remarks by U.S. Embassy Charge d’Affaires Mr. David Young

ZAMPHIA is measuring HIV incidence and prevalence and viral load suppression by taking a nationally representative sample of adults aged 15 years and older. The survey will help stakeholders assess the effectiveness of past and current HIV prevention and treatment programs, and support the government in guiding future actions. Survey results will also serve as a valuable HIV data resource for global health researchers, policymakers, and program planners.

Survey teams are now visiting households and gathering samples, providing counseling, and connecting households to healthcare facilities. Prior to sampling in each pre-designated area, community mobilizers — a specially trained cadre of outreach specialists — prepare the community for the arrival of the teams by making public announcements (via bullhorn), distributing posters and brochures, meeting with community leaders, and organizing events.

For further updates visit the ZAMPHIA website or the ZAMPHIA Facebook page.

Ciheb is simultaneously working in Botswana on another PEPFAR-funded survey, the Fifth Botswana AIDS Impact Survey (BAIS V). The Botswana survey is being implemented in partnership with the Ministry of Health and Wellness.