Mobilising ability: working with HIV, AIDS and disability in Zambia

Terri Collins, Alex Simwanza and Mwilu Mumbi in consultation with the Forum on HIV and AIDS for Persons with Disabilities, Zambia, 2009

There is a growing case for the greater inclusion of persons with disabilities (PWD) in national HIV and AIDS responses. Evidence suggests that PWD are at risk of HIV infection and vulnerable to its impact. Despite this, there exists relatively little documentation about how, in practice, National AIDS Coordinating Authorities can support the inclusion of PWD in national programmes and ensure their specific needs are met.

In Zambia, PWD are strong advocates for their inclusion in HIV and AIDS programme. They argue that they should be explicitly included as a vulnerable group in national HIV strategic plans and policy statements. They can also mobilise multiple abilities to address the HIV epidemic at individual, community and national levels.

This brief describes how the Strengthening the AIDS Response Zambia (STARZ) programme worked with the National HIV/AIDS/STI/TB Council Zambia to strengthen partnerships with Disabled People’s Organisations. It also describes the efforts made to address the specific concerns of PWD relating to HIV and to ensure their interests are represented in national strategic plans.

Produced as part of the Strengthening the AIDS Response Zambia (STARZ) programme.