Lusaka, Zambia – The African-led HIV Control Working Group (HCWG) and the AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) Zambia recently held an introductory meeting to strengthen collaboration, foster strategic partnerships, and identify opportunities to secure domestic health financing for a sustained HIV response and a broader public health response in Zambia and the region.
The meeting brought together representatives from both organisations to introduce their respective mandates, share programme priorities, and discuss areas of mutual interest. Discussions focused on strengthening policy engagement, HIV prevention, care and treatment, strategic information, and research to support the Ministry of Health’s efforts to end HIV as a public health threat.
Ms. Ina Kafunda, the Health Policy and Law Lead, and Dr. Mumbi Chola, the Technical Lead for Strategic Information and Research, represented the HCWG. They highlighted the HCWG’s commitment to advancing African-led solutions that promote sustainable HIV financing, evidence-informed policymaking, and stronger health systems across the continent.
AHF Africa was represented by Mr. Martin Matabishi – Africa Bureau Chief, and Mrs. Ngaatendwe Murombedzi – Advocacy and Policy Manager for Southern Africa, Dr. Mandy Tembo – National Monitoring and Evaluation Manager and Acting Country Program Manager, and Dr. Chimwemwe Zulu – Regional Medical Manager for the Lusaka Region.
The discussions underscored the importance of strategic partnerships in addressing the evolving HIV response and emphasized the need to support policymakers with locally driven, evidence-based solutions that can be sustained over the long term.
Both organisations reaffirmed their commitment to continued collaboration in strengthening Zambia’s HIV response through policy engagement, research, strategic information, and advocacy. By leveraging their respective expertise, the HCWG and AHF Zambia aim to contribute to stronger health systems and improved health outcomes for communities across Zambia and the region.
