ZAMPHIA Survey Prepares to Relaunch in Zambia

The Zambia Population-Based HIV Impact Assessment (ZAMPHIA) is preparing to recommence fieldwork at the beginning of May, and staff and communities are being mobilized in anticipation of the relaunch. 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.  

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.

Community mobilizers put up survey posters across the nation in key locations to generate awareness and support participation.

Community mobilizers working in the Chamba Valley of Zambia.

Community mobilizers meet with the ward chairman from the Township of Chaisa near the capital city of Lusaka before entering the town.

ZAMPHIA Project Director Dr. Kumbutso Dzekedzeke addresses trainees at the recently held ZAMPHIA Central Level Training in Lusaka as part of the project relaunch initiative.

The University Teaching Hospital in Lusaka is hosting one of the satellite labs that will receive samples during the ZAMPHIA survey. 

Preparing for the relaunch, the community must be made aware of the survey's implementation, what is involved, and how the information will be used. Once the community is aware and adequately prepared, the survey staff can be more effective at their jobs and facilitate greater participation.

Preparing the population for ZAMPHIA is the responsibility of community mobilizers, a specially trained cadre of outreach specialists who spread the word by making public announcements (via bullhorn), distributing posters and brochures, meeting with community leaders, and organizing events. The community mobilizers are vital to the effectiveness of the survey, helping to assuage concerns and answering questions that might be raised prior to the full deployment of the survey.

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. 

Stay tuned for further updates.