Overview
The Population Council began working in Zambia in 1994 on the Africa operations research and technical assistance project and maintained small field offices in Lusaka and Ndola to coordinate in-country work. In 2009, the Lusaka office was expanded to manage the Council’s growing portfolio of work in Zambia and to meet the growing need for country-specific program and policy research. During the past year, the office staff has expanded to seven full-time members.
Program focus
The Council maintains a diverse portfolio in Zambia, with activities that represent all three of the Council's program areas. The Council is recognized as a leader in the country’s efforts to combat sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) and has been pivotal in the development of national policy and programmatic responses to this problem. In collaboration with colleagues from Nairobi and New York, the Zambian office is focusing on improving the social and economic assets of adolescent girls by conducting research on girls’ protection strategies and providing support to local partners to implement "safe spaces" programs. The Council is contributing to the country’s evidence base on HIV through a series of behavioral studies on male circumcision and potential microbicides-delivery platforms. Having made significant contributions to family planning and reproductive health policy during the past two decades, the Council remains involved in Zambia’s national debates on family planning.
Highlights of past and present work
- Undertook the national Strategic Assessment of Contraceptive Needs (1995), in conjunction with the WHO and the Ministry of Health (MOH), which proved crucial in shaping the future of reproductive health services in Zambia.
- Conducted the operations study "Expanding Contraceptive Choice" (1996–2000), which introduced two new family planning methods and reintroduced injectable contraceptives into the country’s family planning program. The model was scaled up in the Pilots to Regional Programs initiative (2002–05), which was recognized by the MOH as a "best practice."
- Collaborated with the MOH and Zambia Police Service on operations research to test the feasibility of police provision of emergency contraception to survivors of sexual violence. Based on the success of this study, the Ministries have requested further assistance with national scale-up; partners in Malawi and Kenya are also replicating the intervention.
- Provided intellectual leadership in the development and validation of the national guidelines on the multidisciplinary management of sexual and gender-based violence in Zambia.
Projects
Audio Computer-assisted Self-interviewing (ACASI) and Microbicides (more)
Council researchers are using ACASI to conduct behavioral and social science research about microbicides.
(1/2006 - ongoing)
Microbicides
Adolescent Girls Empowerment Program (more)
The Council is developing solutions for vulnerable adolescent girls in Zambia, who need tools to help them avoid early marriage, STIs and HIV, and unwanted pregnancy.
(11/2011 - 10/2017)
Adolescence/transitions to adulthood; Child marriage; Schooling; Sexuality and sexual behavior; Sexuality education
Community Mobilization for Preventive Action (COMPACT) (more)
Council researchers are developing and determining the feasibility of "community compacts" as an innovative approach to prevent HIV in Zambian communities.
(7/2010 - 7/2013)
Behavior change; HIV prevention; Male circumcision; Sexual and gender-based violence; Social isolation/support
Male Circumcision Partnership: Achieving Scale (more)
The Male Circumcision Partnership is establishing multisectoral provider networks for high-quality adult male circumcision services.
(1/2009 - 11/2013)
Male circumcision; Sexuality and sexual behavior
Developing a Multisectoral and Comprehensive Response to Sexual and Gender-based Violence in East and Southern Africa (more)
The Council is working to alleviate sexual and gender-based violence in seven sub-Saharan African countries.
(8/2006 - 12/2012)
Sexual and gender-based violence
Our Girls, Our Future: Building Synergy to End Violence Against Girls in Zambia (more)
By creating safe spaces for adolescent girls in Lusaka, Zambia, the Council is part of a coalition that is helping to build girls' social, health, and economic assets in order to prevent sexual and gender-based violence.
(2/2010 - 12/2012)
Adolescence/transitions to adulthood; Financial literacy/livelihoods; Sexual and gender-based violence; Social isolation/support
Situation Analysis of the HIV Response Among Young People in Zambia (more)
Council researchers are reviewing HIV and youth programs and policies in Zambia for use in high-level advocacy and to inform the implementation of Zambia's new HIV and AIDS Strategic Framework.
(12/2010 - 6/2011)
Sexuality and sexual behavior; Sexuality education
Africa Regional Sexual and Gender-based Violence Network (more)
The Population Council is providing technical assistance to a PEPFAR initiative to strengthen the delivery of comprehensive services, including postexposure prophylaxis, to victims of sexual violence.
(8/2006 - 12/2008)
Integrating health services; Sexual and gender-based violence
Comprehensive Care for Survivors of Sexual Violence in Zambia (more)
This study uses the introduction of emergency contraception (EC) as a catalyst for increasing sexual assault survivors’ access to a broad spectrum of health, forensic, legal, and psychosocial services.
(1/2005 - 12/2008)
Sexual and gender-based violence
Resources
Featured publication
Population Council in Zambia (PDFs: A4 and letter)
Country profile
Publication date: 2013
Abbott,Sharon; Haberland,Nicole; Mulenga,Drosin; Hewett,Paul C.
PLoS ONE 8(1): e53809-
Publication date: 2013
How informed are clients who consent? A mixed-method evaluation of comprehension among clients of male circumcision services in Zambia and Swaziland (abstract) (HTML)
Friedland,Barbara A.; Apicella,Louis; Schenk,Katie D.; Sheehy,Meredith; Hewett,Paul C.
AIDS and Behavior 17(6): 2269-2282
Publication date: 2013
Implementing incentive-based HIV interventions in Zambia: The COMPACT model (PDF)
Kalibala,Sam; Tun,Waimar; Kangale,Chabu; Keesbury,Jill; Handema,Ray; Monze,Mwaka
Baseline evaluation report
Publication date: 2013
A review and evaluation of multi-sectoral response services ('one-stop centers') for gender-based violence in Kenya and Zambia (PDF)
Keesbury,Jill; Onyango-Ouma,Washington; Undie,Chi-Chi; Maternowska,Catherine; Mugisha,Frederick; Kageha,Emmy; Askew,Ian
Publication date: 2012
Assessing and improving self-reporting of male circumcision in Zambia and Swaziland (PDF)
Hewett,Paul C.; Haberland,Nicole; Mensch,Barbara S.; Apicella,Louis
Population Council Research and Evaluation of Male Circumcision Scale-Up Report (no. 2)
Publication date: 2012
Household survey to evaluate the Zambia-led Prevention Initiative: Baseline report (PDF)
Zambia-led Prevention Initiative
Publication date: 2012
On the cutting edge: Improving the informed consent process for adolescents in Zambia undergoing male circumcision for HIV prevention (abstract) (HTML)
Schenk,Katie D.; Friedland,Barbara A.; Apicella,Louis; Sheehy,Meredith; Munjile,Kelvin; Hewett,Paul C.
Vulnerable Children and Youth Studies 7(2): 116-127
Publication date: 2012
Rape sentencing study: A review of statutory sentencing provisions for rape, defilement, and sexual assault in East, Central, and Southern Africa (PDF)
Thompson,Jill; Simmonds,Felly Nkweto
Publication date: 2012
Sex with stitches: The resumption of sexual activity during the post-circumcision wound healing period in Zambia (abstract) (HTML)
Hewett,Paul C.; Hallett,Timothy B.; Mensch,Barbara S.; Dzekedzeke,Kumbutso; Zimba-Tembo,Susan; Garnett,Geoffrey P.; Todd,Petra E.
AIDS 26(6): 749-756
Publication date: 2012
The (mis)reporting of male circumcision status among men and women in Zambia and Swaziland: A randomized evaluation of interview methods (abstract) (HTML)
Hewett,Paul C.; Haberland,Nicole; Apicella,Louis; Mensch,Barbara S.
PLoS ONE 7(5): e36251-
Publication date: 2012
The Africa Regional Sexual and Gender-based Violence Network Annual Partners Meeting: June 26-27 2012, Mombasa, Kenya -- meeting report (PDF)
Population Council
Publication date: 2012
Comprehensive responses to sexual violence in East and Southern Africa: Lessons learned from implementation (PDF)
Keesbury,Jill; Askew,Ian; Wanjiru,Monica; Chiyaba,Grace; Wilson,Kate; Simmonds,Felly Nkweto
Policy Brief
Publication date: 2011
Evaluation of the informed consent process for male circumcision scale-up in Zambia (PDF)
Friedland,Barbara A.; Apicella,Louis; Schenk,Katie D.; Sheehy,Meredith; Hewett,Paul C.
Population Council Research and Evaluation of Male Circumcision Scale-Up Report (no. 1)
Publication date: 2011
'Health regains but livelihoods lag': Findings from a study with people on ART in Zambia and Kenya (abstract) (HTML)
Samuels,Fiona; Rutenberg,Naomi
AIDS Care 23(6): 748-754
Publication date: 2011
Situation assessment of the HIV response among young people in Zambia (PDF)
Kalibala,Sam; Mulenga,Drosin
Publication date: 2011
The prevention and management of HIV and sexual and gender-based violence: Responding to the needs of survivors and those-at-risk (PDF)
Raifman,Sarah; Askew,Ian; Amin,Sajeda; Keesbury,Jill; Mullick,Saiqa; Diers,Judith A.; Budiharsana,Meiwita P.; Undie,Chi-Chi; Zama,Mary; Menziwa,Mantshi; Hutchinson,Sherry; Rutenberg,Naomi
Publication date: 2011
Understanding adolescent girls' protection strategies against HIV:
An exploratory study in urban Lusaka (PDF)
Simbaya,Joseph; Brady,Martha; Stone,Allison; Vaughan-Smith,Maya
Publication date: 2010
COMPACT: Community mobilization for preventive action (PDF)
Population Council
Publication date: 2010
Comprehensive responses to gender-based violence in low-resource settings: Lessons learned from implementation (PDF)
Keesbury,Jill; Askew,Ian
Publication date: 2010
Looking back, moving forward: Implementing PMTCT programs in resource-constrained settings, Horizons studies 1999 to 2007 (PDF)
Baek,Carolyn; Rutenberg,Naomi
Horizons Synthesis Background Papers
Publication date: 2010
Looking back, moving forward: Improving the lives of orphans and other children affected by AIDS, Horizons studies 1998 to 2007 (PDF)
Schenk,Katie D.; Michaelis,Annie P.; Nelson,Tobey C.; Brown,Lisanne; Weiss,Ellen
Horizons Synthesis Background Papers
Publication date: 2010
Looking back, moving forward: Reducing HIV-related stigma, Horizons studies 2000 to 2007 (PDF)
Pulerwitz,Julie; Michaelis,Annie P.; Weiss,Ellen; Brown,Lisanne; Mahendra,Vaishali Sharma
Horizons Synthesis Background Papers
Publication date: 2010
RAPIDS evaluation final report 2005-2009 key findings (PDF)
Apicella,Louis; Schenk,Katie D.; Khan,Hena
Publication date: 2010
Adolescent experience in-depth: Using data to identify and reach the most vulnerable young people (HTML)
Series of 51 data guides by country
Publication date: 2009
Adolescent experience in-depth: Using data to identify and reach the most vulnerable young people--Zambia 2002 (PDF) (HTML)
Publication date: 2009
Adolescent experience in-depth: Using data to identify and reach the most vulnerable young people--Zambia 2007 (PDF) (HTML)
Publication date: 2009
The Copperbelt model of integrated care for survivors of rape and defilement: Testing the feasibility of police provision of emergency contraceptive pills (PDF)
Keesbury,Jill; Zama,Mary; Shreeniwas,Sudha
Final report
Publication date: 2009
"Understanding adolescent girls' protection strategies against HIV: Exploratory research in Zambia," Poverty, Gender, and Youth Project Brief
Publication date: 2008
Caring for caregivers: An HIV/AIDS workplace intervention for hospital staff in Zambia--Evaluation results (PDF)
Kiragu,Karusa; Nyumbu,Mutinta; Ngulube,Thabale J.; Njobvu,Panganani; Mwaba,Chilufya; Kalimbwe,Arthur; Bradford,Spike
Horizons Final Report
Publication date: 2008
Circumstances and motivations for fostering children in Zambia (abstract) (HTML)
Schenk,Katie D.; Ndhlovu,Lewis; Tembo,Stephen; Nsune,Andson; Nkhata,Chozi; Walusiku,Batuke; Watts,Charlotte
Vulnerable Children and Youth Studies 3(1): 78-84
Publication date: 2008
Engaging communities in supporting HIV prevention and adherence to antiretroviral therapy in Zambia (PDF)
Samuels,Fiona; Simbaya,Joseph; Sarna,Avina; Geibel,Scott; Ndubani,Phillimon; Kamwanga,Jolly
Horizons Research Summary
Publication date: 2008
Food on the table: The role of livelihood strategies in maintaining nutritional status among ART patients in Kenya and Zambia (PDF)
Samuels,Fiona; Rutenberg,Naomi; Simbaya,Joseph; Okal,Jerry; Kisengese,Nicodemus; Luchters,Stanley; Kaai,Susan; Geibel,Scott
Horizons Research Summary
Publication date: 2008
Involving young people in the care and support of people living with HIV in Zambia: An evaluation of program sustainability (PDF)
Esu-Williams,Eka; Searle,Catherine; Zulu,Anderson
Horizons Research Summary
Publication date: 2008
Supporting orphans and vulnerable children affected by AIDS: Using community-generated definitions to explore patterns of children's vulnerability in Zambia (abstract) (HTML)
Schenk,Katie D.; Ndhlovu,Lewis; Tembo,Stephen; Nsune,Andson; Nkhata,Chozi; Walusiku,Batuke; Watts,Charlotte
AIDS Care 20(8): 894-903
Publication date: 2008
The HIV testing experiences of adolescents in Ndola, Zambia: Do families and friends matter? (abstract) (HTML)
Denison,Julie; McCauley,Ann P.; Dunnett-Dagg,Wendy A.; Lungu,Nalakwanji; Sweat,Michael D.
AIDS Care 20(1): 101-105
Publication date: 2008
Expanding contraceptive choice and improving quality of care in Zambia's Copperbelt: Moving from pilot projects to regional programmes (PDF)
Skibiak,John P.; Mijere,Peter; Zama,Mary; Simmons,Ruth; Fajans,Peter; Ghiron,Laura
from Scaling Up Health Service Delivery: From Pilot Innovations to Policies and Programmes, pp. 71-88
Publication date: 2007
From pilots to regional programs: Expanding contraceptive choice and improving quality of care in Zambia's Copperbelt: Final Project Report (PDF)
Keesbury,Jill
Publication date: 2007
Sexual risk-taking and HIV testing among health workers in Zambia (abstract) (HTML)
Kiragu,Karusa; Ngulube,Thabale J.; Nyumbu,Mutinta; Njobvu,Panganani; Eerens,Peter; Mwaba,Chilufya
AIDS and Behavior 11(1): 131-136
Publication date: 2007
Rapid assessment of sexual assault in Zambia's Copperbelt Province
Keesbury,Jill; Skibiak,John P.; Zama,Mary
Publication date: 2006
RAPIDS baseline survey report
Schenk,Katie D.; Ndhlovu,Lewis
Publication date: 2006
Social relationships and adolescents' HIV counseling and testing decisions in Zambia (PDF)
Denison,Julie; Lungu,Nalakwanji; Dunnett-Dagg,Wendy A.; McCauley,Ann P.; Sweat,Michael D.
Horizons Research Summary
Publication date: 2006
'We are no longer called club members but caregivers': Involving youth in HIV and AIDS caregiving in rural Zambia (abstract) (HTML)
Esu-Williams,Eka; Schenk,Katie D.; Geibel,Scott; Motsepe,Joseph; Zulu,Anderson; Bweupe,Petronella; Weiss,Ellen
AIDS Care 18(8): 888-894
Publication date: 2006
Caring for caregivers: The HIV/AIDS needs of hospital workers in Zambia
Kiragu,Karusa; Ngulube,Thabale J.; Nyumbu,Mutinta; Njobvu,Panganani; Eerens,Peter; Mwaba,Chilufya; Kalimbwe,Arthur
Horizons Research Summary
Publication date: 2005
Child marriage briefing: Zambia (PDF)
Child Marriage Briefings
Publication date: 2005
Youth contribute to home-based HIV/AIDS care (PDF)
USAID
Success Story: Zambia
Publication date: 2005
Involving young people in the care and support of people living with HIV/AIDS in Zambia (PDF)
Esu-Williams,Eka; Schenk,Katie D.; Motsepe,Joseph; Geibel,Scott; Zulu,Anderson
Horizons Final Report
Publication date: 2004
The affordability and appropriateness of an integrated care and support model to meet the needs of people living with HIV/AIDS
Horizons Report
Publication date: 2004
Zambie: Les pairs éducateurs peuvent contribuer à la promotion de comportements sexuels moins risqués [Zambia: Peer educators can promote safer sex behaviors]
FRONTIERS OR Summary (no. 17)
Publication date: 2004
Education improves breastfeeding practices in Zambia (PDF)
Population Briefs 9(2)
Publication date: 2003
Empowering communities to respond to HIV/AIDS: Ndola Demonstration Project on Maternal and Child Health: Operations research final report (PDF)
Hope Humana; LINKAGES; National Food and Nutrition Commission; Ndola District Health Management Team; Horizons Program; Zambia Integrated Health Project
Horizons Final Report
Publication date: 2003
Evaluation of United Nations-supported pilot projects for the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV: Overview of findings (PDF)
Rutenberg,Naomi; Baek,Carolyn; Kalibala,Sam; Rosen,James
HIV/AIDS Working Paper
Publication date: 2003
Family planning and PMTCT services: Examining interrelationships, strengthening linkages (PDF)
Rutenberg,Naomi; Baek,Carolyn; Kankasa,Chipepo; Nduati,Ruth; Mbori-Ngacha,Dorothy; Siwale,Margaret; Geibel,Scott; Apicella,Louis
Horizons Research Summary
Publication date: 2003
HIV voluntary counseling and testing: An essential component in preventing mother-to-child transmission of HIV (PDF)
Rutenberg,Naomi; Kankasa,Chipepo; Nduati,Ruth; Mbori-Ngacha,Dorothy; Siwale,Margaret; Geibel,Scott; Apicella,Louis
Horizons Research Summary
Publication date: 2003
Infant feeding counseling within Kenyan and Zambian PMTCT services: How well does it promote good feeding practices? (PDF)
Rutenberg,Naomi; Kankasa,Chipepo; Nduati,Ruth; Mbori-Ngacha,Dorothy; Siwale,Margaret; Geibel,Scott
Horizons Research Summary
Publication date: 2003
Involving youth in the care and support of people affected by HIV and AIDS (PDF)
Esu-Williams,Eka; Geibel,Scott; Motsepe,Joseph; Schenk,Katie D.; Zulu,Moses; Bweupe,Petronella
Horizons Research Summary
Publication date: 2003
Participation accrue des personnes vivant avec le VIH/SIDA aux activités des ONG de Lutte Contre le SIDA (PDF)
Horizons Research Summary
Publication date: 2003
Programme recommendations for the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV: A practical guide for managers (PDF)
Rutenberg,Naomi; Kalibala,Sam; Baek,Carolyn; Rosen,James
HIV/AIDS Working Paper
Publication date: 2003
Selected DHS data on 10-14-year-olds (HTML)
Annexes by country to Facts about Adolescents from the Demographic and Health Survey: Statistical Tables for Program Planning
Publication date: 2003
Selected DHS data on 10-14-year-olds: Zambia (PDF) (HTML)
Annex to "Facts about adolescents from the Demographic and Health Survey: Statistical tables for program planning"
Publication date: 2003
The involvement of people living with HIV/AIDS in the delivery of community-based prevention, care and support programs in Zambia: A diagnostic study
Publication date: 2003
Dual needs: Contraceptive and sexually transmitted infection protection in Lusaka, Zambia (abstract) (PDF)
Chikamata,Davy M.; Chinganya,Oliver; Jones,Heidi E.; RamaRao,Saumya
International Family Planning Perspectives 28(2): 96-104
Publication date: 2002
Facts about adolescents from the Demographic and Health Survey--Statistical tables for program planning: Zambia 1996 (PDF) (HTML)
Publication date: 2002
Greater involvement of PLHA In NGO service delivery: Findings from a four-country study (PDF)
Horizons Research Summary
Publication date: 2002
Ndola Demonstration Project: A midterm analysis of lessons learned (PDF)
Horizons Program
Horizons Report
Publication date: 2002
Tools and training strengthen African AIDS groups (PDF)
Population Briefs, Spring 2002 (HIV/AIDS edition)
Publication date: 2002
What factors affect the prevalence of HIV in sub-Saharan Africa? (PDF)
Population Briefs 8(1)
Publication date: 2002
Enhancing contraceptive choice and improving the quality of family planning services in the copperbelt of Zambia
Skibiak,John P.; Butrick,Elizabeth; Miller,Suellen; Zama,Mary
Publication date: 2001
Facts about adolescents from the Demographic and Health Survey: Statistical tables for program planning (HTML)
Series of DHS data tables by country
Publication date: 2001
Testing alternative channels for providing emergency contraception to young women (PDF)
Skibiak,John P.; Chambeshi-Moyo,Mangala; Ahmed,Yusuf
Publication date: 2001
Women, communities, and the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV: Issues and findings from community research in Botswana and Zambia (PDF)
Nyblade,Laura; Field-Nguer,Mary Lyn
Community Involvement in Initiatives to Prevent Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV: A Collaborative Project
Publication date: 2001
Zambia: Los educadores juveniles pueden promover comportamientos sexuales más seguros (PDF)
FRONTERAS Resúmenes de Investigación Operativa (número 12)
Publication date: 2001
Zambia: Peer educators can promote safer sex behaviors (PDF)
FRONTIERS OR Summary (no. 17)
Publication date: 2001
Dual needs: Contraceptive and infection protection in Lusaka, Zambia
Chikamata,Davy M.; Chinganya,Oliver; Jones,Heidi E.; RamaRao,Saumya
Publication date: 2000
Reproductive decision-making in the context of HIV and AIDS: A qualitative study in Ndola, Zambia (abstract) (PDF)
Rutenberg,Naomi; Biddlecom,Ann E.; Kaona,Frederick A.D.
International Family Planning Perspectives 26(3): 124-130
Publication date: 2000
Comparing alternative products in the provision of emergency contraception (PDF)
Skibiak,John P.; Ahmed,Yusuf; Ketata,M.
Africa OR/TA Project II Final Report
Publication date: 1999
Testing strategies to improve access to emergency contraception pills: Prescription vs. prophylactic distribution (PDF)
Skibiak,John P.; Ahmed,Yusuf; Ketata,M.
Africa OR/TA Project II Final Report
Publication date: 1999
Covert contraceptive use: Prevalence, motivations, and consequences (PDF)
Biddlecom,Ann E.; Fapohunda,Bolaji M.
Policy Research Division Working Paper (no. 108)
Publication date: 1998
Abriendo nuevos zurcos: Apoyando a las agricultoras en el oeste de Zambia
Jiggins,Janice; Maimbo,Paul; Masona,Mary
SEEDS (no. 14)
Publication date: 1992
Breaking new ground: Reaching out to women farmers in western Zambia (PDF)
Jiggins,Janice; Maimbo,Paul; Masona,Mary
SEEDS (no. 14)
Publication date: 1992
Faire oeuvre de pionnier: Atteindre les femmes agriculteurs en Zambie occidentale
Jiggins,Janice; Maimbo,Paul; Masona,Mary
SEEDS (no. 14)
Publication date: 1992
Zambia Fast Facts
| Population (millions) | 13.7 |
|---|---|
| Total fertility rate | 6.3 |
| Infant deaths per 1,000 live births | 88 |
| Maternal deaths per 100,000 live births | 470 |
| Girls aged 20-24 married by age 18 (%) | 42 |
| HIV/AIDS prevalence (%) | 13.5 |
| Living below US $2 per day (%) | 82 |
Country statistics from Demographic and Health Surveys, 1987–2011; UNAIDS and UNICEF websites (accessed 10/22/2012); "World Population Data Sheet" (Population Reference Bureau, 2012) | |
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