Source: Zambia Daily Mail
Zambia has launched the 2014-2018 strategic plan aimed at expanding HIV and community sexual reproductive health rights (SRHR) in women, girls and adolescents.

SAT Zambia, in its new plan, will strategically support civil society organisations operating at community level, strengthening dialogue for health and promoting integrated approaches to HIV and SRHR for women, adolescents and the young people.

SAT Zambia country director Zoonadi Ngwenya said during the launch on Tuesday night that the strategy is based on the conviction that "together we can improve women, adolescents and young people's health and rights in Zambia".

"The plan has been a product of hard work since 2013 and now we see the final product being launched. We are proud that finally, we have the document which will focus on health for women and adolescents," Mr Ngwenya said.

National AIDS Council director general Jabin Mulwanda said there is need to increase collaborative, collective and co-ordinated efforts at various levels within the HIV multi-sectoral response as articulated by Government in the Revised National HIV/AIDS Strategic Framework (NASF) 2014-16 to sustain the gains achieved so far.

Dr Mulwanda, in a speech read for him by Prevention Pillar Technical Working Group chairperson Kumar Baboo, commended SAT for recognising the need for strong leadership and collectivity in the HIV response at community level.

"I must add that the principle of togetherness and collaboration fits neatly with the theme or motto of SAT Zambia's Strategic Plan 2014-18 which says "Together, we can improve women, adolescent and young people's health in Zambia," he said.

Dr Mulwanda said Government is confident the strategy will contribute to the national HIV response at community level as part of stakeholder investment in addressing HIV and SRHR with special attention to women, girls and adolescents.

• Zambia