The Key Population Alliance Zambia (KPAZ) has launched a Community Wellness Center in Kasama.

Ministry of Health Director for Infectious Diseases Lloyd Mulenga explained that the center is designed to provide comprehensive HIV services to the community.

Speaking during the launch of the center in Kasama, Professor  Mulenga said the facility will also enhance community engagements in the fight against HIV.

“The University Teaching Hospital has contributed by providing some staff as part of partnership with the community, because the community lacks expertise for biomedical prevention. This center does not function as a clinic but as a wellness hub. Services that cannot be provided here will be linked to the main facility, which also requires strengthening,” he stated.

Prof Mulenga has since pledged the ministry’s full support in human and other necessary resources.

And National AIDS Council Director General, Kebby Musokotwane appreciated the establishment of the center. 

“We are happy to have opened a center like this. Congratulations to KPAZ and the University Teaching Hospital,” he said.

Meanwhile, Kasama Wellness Center Monitoring and Evaluation Coordinator Reagan Musonda disclosed that the center will facilitate linkages to Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) and Antiretroviral Therapy (ART), provide treatment for sexually transmitted infections, and connect beneficiaries to gender-based violence support services.