KATETE DISTRICT HIV AND AIDS COMMITTEE TRAINED ON NACMIS
For communities like Katete, where adolescent pregnancies, child marriages, and new HIV infections among young people remain pressing concerns, having accurate and timely information is crucial for driving impactful interventions. Recognizing this need, UNAIDS, in collaboration with the Alliance of Mayors’ Initiative for Community Action on AIDS at the Local Level (AMICAALL) and the National HIV/AIDS/TB/STI Council (NAC), conducted a two-day capacity-building training for the Katete District HIV and AIDS Committee (DHAC) on the National AIDS Council Management Information System (NACMIS). The training, held from 4th to 6th March 2025 at Pangani Lodge in Katete, aimed to equip stakeholders with the necessary skills to enhance data management and improve the district’s HIV/AIDS response.
With Zambia facing a high HIV prevalence rate of 9.8% among adults aged 15-49, rural districts such as Katete continue to experience significant challenges, including high rates of adolescent pregnancies, child marriages, and new HIV infections among Adolescents and Young People (AYP). The training formed part of the broader Reducing Adolescent Pregnancies and HIV Infections in Zambia (RAPHIZ) initiative, which harnesses the strengths of four UN agencies to advance Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR) in Zambia and the broader East and Southern African region.
During the two-day training, participants gained valuable insights into the effective collection, analysis, and utilization of HIV/AIDS-related data through NACMIS. This hands-on approach enabled committee members to refine their skills in tracking progress, monitoring interventions, and making evidence-based decisions to strengthen HIV prevention, treatment, and care services in the district.
Key takeaways from the training included:
-Enhanced Data Management Skills: Participants improved their ability to accurately report and analyze HIV/AIDS data, ensuring better coordination among health service providers.
-Strengthened Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Processes: The committee is now better equipped to track the impact of interventions and identify gaps in service delivery.
-Improved Collaboration and Coordination: The training emphasized the importance of multi-sectoral coordination in addressing HIV/AIDS, adolescent pregnancies, and gender-based violence (GBV).
As a follow-up to the training, on the third day, the team undertook a field visit to selected health facilities and a Youth-Friendly Corner in Katete. This visit provided firsthand exposure to the implementation of Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health (ASRH) services, highlighting best practices and identifying areas for further improvement. Engaging with young people and healthcare providers reinforced the need for targeted interventions to address SRHR challenges among AYP.
Through this initiative, UNAIDS, AMICAALL, and NAC reaffirm their commitment to empowering local stakeholders with the necessary tools and knowledge to enhance HIV/AIDS response efforts in Katete and beyond. By investing in data-driven decision-making and community engagement, these efforts contribute to a more effective and sustainable approach to combating HIV/AIDS in Zambia.
