Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia - CIDRZ

Today, the Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia (CIDRZ) hosted an exciting and glamorous event celebrating Zambia's 60th anniversary of independence. The colourful event saw CIDRZ employees nationwide united physically and virtually, donning their beautiful traditional attire. Others showcased their patriotism with beautifully tailored attire in Zambian colours. The event fostered a spirit of sharing among CIDRZ employees, with most staff bringing a local dish to the celebrations. In her address, CIDRZ CEO Dr Sikazwe reminded staff to use the moment to reflect on the freedoms they enjoyed as citizens of this great nation while calling for the need to honour the country's heritage. "This year's independence theme of 60 Years Strong, Honouring Our Heritage, Embracing the Future is espoused by what we have seen so far. When you look at what has been on display, especially the food and our dressing, we are really honouring our heritage and showcasing the different parts of the country we come from," Dr Sikazwe said. Meanwhile, CIDRZ Human Resource Director Mwansa Nancy Lombe emphasised that the event was part of CIDRZ's strategy to ensure employee well-being and celebrate their contribution towards achieving a healthy Zambia.

Kabwe Mwamba from the Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia (CIDRZ)'s Social Science Research Group (SSRG) made a thought-provoking poster presentation titled "Drivers of #HIV Testing Among Adolescent Girls in the SKILLZ Girl Program in Lusaka Province, Zambia," at the Zambia Health Research Conference. The research provided crucial insights into the factors encouraging young girls to seek HIV testing. The SKILLZ Girl Program, implemented by Grassroots Soccer (GRS), is designed to empower adolescent girls by helping them overcome barriers and improve their access to sexual and reproductive health services, including HIV testing. CIDRZ's evaluation of the program sought to pinpoint the key drivers that encourage HIV testing among these young girls. The findings revealed that SKILLZ sessions were pivotal in influencing the girls' decisions to get tested. The information shared during these sessions and peer influence significantly impacted their choices. The warmth and personal stories shared by the coaches also contributed to breaking down barriers, making the girls feel more comfortable about getting tested. Parental encouragement and the soccer events hosted by the program provided an additional push, creating ideal environments for testing. Many of the adolescent girls involved in the study were also self-motivated to test, driven by desire for peace of mind and knowledge of their HIV status. This internal motivation highlighted the growing awareness and understanding of HIV among the youth. One of the standout recommendations from the research is the potential for girls who test negative for HIV to become ambassadors for testing. These young girls could play a decisive role in encouraging their peers to get tested and re-tested, promoting a culture of health awareness and regular testing in their communities.

The ongoing Zambia Health Research Conference has continued to receive more exciting presentations across the health sector, showcasing innovative solutions to strengthen healthcare services. This year's conference theme is "Sustainable and Resilient Health Systems: Accelerating Progress Towards Universal Health Coverage in the Face of Service Delivery Challenges, Emerging Diseases, and Pandemics." The conference has brought together researchers, health experts, and policymakers to explore innovative solutions for improving health systems in the wake of increasing global health challenges. During the conference, researchers showcase their findings and contribute valuable insights to national and regional health discussions. The Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia (CIDRZ) gave yet another exciting presentation through Gillian Kabeba, titled "Descriptive Profile of Tuberculosis Patients Lost to Follow-Up in Lusaka District: Identifying Gaps and Opportunities for Intervention." The study sought to explore the characteristics of drug-sensitive tuberculosis (DS-TB) patients lost to follow-up (LTFU) in Lusaka to identify gaps in the system and opportunities for targeted interventions to improve care outcomes. Key findings of the study indicate that 4.4% of TB patients in Lusaka, out of a total of 11,742 recorded in 2022, were lost to follow-ups. The highest rates of LTFU were observed during the intensive treatment phase, particularly among males, HIV-negative individuals, and those treated at primary and secondary health facilities. The research outlined critical recommendations, including the need to strengthen treatment support, particularly for men and patients in the intensive phase of treatment. It further outlined the importance of implementing person-centred care, addressing individual barriers patients face during treatment, and developing follow-up systems to track missed appointments. The research also recommended the need to tailor TB awareness messages to the specific characteristics of at-risk patients. As the conference continues, more discussions and research presentations are expected to help shape the future of healthcare in Zambia and the region.

CIDRZ's participation at the ongoing Zambia Health Research Conference (ZHRC) has been marked by several presentation’s highlighting its commitment to advancing healthcare through research and innovation. One of CIDRZ’s presentations at ZHRC by Marksman Foloko, an Implementation Officer, sought to investigate the low recruitment of clients who were more than 30 days late for antiretroviral therapy (ART) appointments. This operational research-based study titled "Client Retention and Clinic Follow-up—A Retrospective Review of Client's Files at Two HIV Public Clinics in Lusaka Province," reviewed the Community Tracking Registers (CTRs) and follow-up tracing activities to uncover why many clients were not retained despite outreach efforts. By better understanding why clients delay or stop attending clinic appointments, Foloko and his team aim to develop strategies to improve retention rates, ultimately enhancing treatment outcomes for people living with HIV. The study found that disengagement from care was common among people living with HIV. However, retention rates were significantly higher among patients who were delayed in care by 30 days or less than those who were late by more than 30 days. "The study underscores the importance of robust follow-up systems and community engagement to ensure clients remain connected to care," said Foloko during his presentation. The findings of this study are expected to contribute significantly to public health research in Zambia, particularly in the fight against HIV. Through this work, CIDRZ continues to play a vital role in shaping effective health interventions and improving patient care systems in the country.

Today is #GlobalHandWashingDay. Spread the awareness.

The United States Government, through PEPFAR, in partnership with the United States Department of Defense HIV/AIDS Prevention Program (DHAPP), has handed over Green Energy Solar projects valued at over one million U.S. dollars to 42 health facilities under the Zambian Defence Force. Speaking at the handover ceremony held at Charles J. Nyirenda Hospital in Lusaka, Lt. Col. Mathew Yan, the United States Defense Attaché to Zambia, emphasised that the newly installed solar systems will ensure uninterrupted access to medical care for Zambian military personnel and surrounding communities. Ministry of Defence Permanent Secretary Norman Chipakupaku expressed gratitude for the solar power backup system, noting its critical role in ensuring a continuous and reliable power supply to healthcare facilities, especially in remote and underserved areas. He emphasised that this intervention addresses the challenges posed by power shortages, which hinder the delivery of essential medical services. Meanwhile, CIDRZ Chief Medical Officer Dr Carolyn Bolton stated that the successful implementation of the solar backup system highlights the shared commitment of all stakeholders to enhance clinical care and service delivery.  "As we celebrate this achievement and more, I thank the Defence Force Medical Services for their hospitality, guidance, and leadership. I also thank the United States Government, PEPFAR, and the Department of Defense for their visionary support and funding. Together, we are making a difference," she said.

When Maria Kataka began her journey as a Cervical Cancer Nurse Provider at Lewanika General Hospital in 2019, she recognised the urgent need to enhance cervical cancer awareness, particularly among marginalised communities in Western Province. With support from PEPFAR through CDC Zambia and in collaboration with CIDRZ, Maria provides #cervicalcancer screening services and leads community outreach programs to educate women about early screening and dispel harmful practices. "When I see these women, I want them to know that hope is within reach. Every time a woman gets screened, I feel like we are saving a life," she said. Maria also coordinates with other districts to ensure that all health practitioners adhere to standard Cervical Cancer screening protocols across the province. She is grateful to CIDRZ for their continuous mentorship programs, which have enhanced her ability to serve the community. "I am proud to be part of CIDRZ's Cervical Cancer Elimination Programme. Knowing that my efforts positively impact countless women's lives is truly rewarding," she added. Since 2019, Maria has contributed to screening 21,838 women at Lewanika General Hospital alone.

CIDRZ's Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)-sponsored PROUDZ project, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health of Zambia through the Western Provincial Health Office (WPHO), has successfully conducted a 10-day Competency-Based Cervical Cancer Screening Training Program for health workers in six districts of Western province. Health workers from Mongu, Nkeyema, Sikongo, Kaoma, Limulunga and Luampa districts were trained in Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure (LEEP) and Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid (VIA). CIDRZ Health Systems Strengthening Nurse for Cervical Cancer Jacqueline Mutale explained that the training and practical sessions aimed to strengthen capacities among nurses and doctors from health facilities across the Western Province. "CIDRZ Cervical Cancer Elimination Program focuses on providing technical assistance through comprehensive training, ongoing mentorship, and targeted quality improvement activities. We aim to build local capacity, ensuring that health workers are well-equipped to provide effective and quality screening and treatment for cervical cancer," she said. Participants in the training reported high levels of engagement and interaction with expert trainers, noting the programme's effective balance of practical and theoretical components. A Medical Officer from Kaoma District Hospital, Dr Idi Mwinyi, said the training was very impactful in enhancing cervical cancer screening and treatment services. "This training will significantly expand our capacity to provide Cervical Cancer Screening services in Kaoma District. We can only provide care within the limits of our expertise, but now we feel empowered to handle cases of cervical cancer and deliver timely care," he said. Meanwhile, Dr Samutumwa Njekwa, Medical Superintendent and Gynaecologist at Lewanika General Hospital emphasised that cervical cancer is the most common cancer in Zambia and a leading cause of cancer-related deaths, despite being highly preventable. "Cervical cancer is both preventable and treatable if diagnosed early, hence the need to actively sensitise communities and encourage women to prioritise cancer screenings. If detected early, pre-cancerous lesions can often be treated locally, even in our local health facilities," he stated. Currently, Western Province has 19 LEEP centres and 74 VIA centres out of 324 health facilities, where CIDRZ provides technical assistance.

The Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia (CIDRZ), through its Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) sponsored PROUDZ project, has handed over a fully equipped cervical cancer screening room at Mulambwa Clinic to the Western Provincial Health Office, strengthening the Ministry of Health of Zambia's Cervical Cancer Elimination Programme. Speaking during the handover, CIDRZ Chief Executive Officer Dr Izukanji Sikazwe stated that the facility, equipped with appropriate screening tools, including cameras and thermal ablation devices for treating precancerous lesions, as well as air conditioning and essential furniture, will provide the privacy required and help increase the uptake of cervical cancer screening among women. Dr Sikazwe highlighted that since 2012, CIDRZ has been actively supporting cervical cancer services through direct service delivery while highlighting the significant impact of the new-fully equipped cervical cancer screening room. "This facility will serve as a dedicated space for cervical cancer screening, improving the services provided and ensuring that women in Mongu and the surrounding areas can access timely and life-saving screenings," she said. Dr Sikazwe encouraged all women to prioritise getting screened for cervical cancer, emphasising that early detection and treatment are vital in the quest to eliminate the disease. She said this in a speech delivered on her behalf by Jacqueline Mutale, CIDRZ Health Systems Strengthening Nurse for Cervical Cancer. And Mongu District Health Office Clinical Care Officer, Mr Kekelwa Imasiku commended CIDRZ for its support and highlighted its impact on the community. "We are grateful to CIDRZ and its partners for this cervical cancer screening room and the accompanying equipment. We look forward to using this room to improve the women's overall well-being in Mulambwa and surrounding areas," he added. Meanwhile, Mulambwa Clinic Facility-In-Charge Likando Mwangala said the new facility will help address the space challenges her facility usually faces when providing cervical cancer screening services. "We used to face challenges such as limited space and compromised privacy in our previous setup. The new screening room will significantly increase the number of women getting screened," she said.