Following the official roll out of the Injectable HIV prevention drug Cabotegravir Long Acting (CAB-LA) , the USAID Discover Health today undertook a sensitization campaign on the drug and other health services at Chibombo’s 10 miles market.   

The sensitization campaign which was attended by hundreds of Chibombo residents and the Zambia Institute of Applied Sciences students provided an opportunity for the public to access the injection and other health services.

USAID Discover Health Chibombo Hub manager Inyambo Siluka explained that Chibombo is one of the four centres administering the Prep Injectable vaccine in the country.

Explaining that the sensitization activity is meant to bring  information and health services to the residents,  Mr. Siluka added that youths have a higher exposure to sexually transmitted infections due to the nature of activities that take place in the area.

Susan Banda, a resident of 10 miles, who accessed the services offered thanked the USAID Discover Health for bringing the services closer to the communities, which she said will encourage more residents to seek the services.

And Novicy Mapulanga, another resident of 10 miles said the initiative is welcome as the area is prone to a lot of sexually transmitted infections especially among youths and has encouraged his fellow youths to go for medical tests including HIV and access treatment.

Equally, Margaret Mpilipili said the injectable of Prep and contraceptive options provides during the awareness session will help students avoid unwanted pregnancies and avoid contracting sexually transmitted diseases.

Ms. Mpilipili added that students are sexually active and bringing such services to them helps them as it saves them time of going to health centres to access the services. 

Government announced in February 2024 that it targets an initial 2000 patients to access the Prep Injectable by the end of the year.