11 COUNSELORS, 14 DAYS, 6341 INDIVIDUALS TESTED

In Lusaka, Zambia it is estimated by the Ministry of Health that almost 1 in 5 people are living with HIV. Individuals knowing their status and getting access to treatment (ART) is essential to prevent HIV transmission. 

At the end of last year TTF  undertook 14 intensive days community outreaches in Chibolya, one of the most economically deprived areas of Lusaka. With a team of 10 counselors lead by our Social Worker, Noah Kampengele, we worked in the community going door to door to talk to people in the privacy of their homes about HIV, testing 6,341 individuals, identifying 217 HIV people and registering 116 HIV+ children and adolescents into the TTF Clinic.  

Noah and his team at a house in Chibolya

Noah talked about some of the challenges and successes he and his team experiences over this grueling 2 weeks. 

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"KNOWING THAT WE CAN SAVE A CHILD'S LIFE 
IS WHY WE DO THIS WORK."

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One of our counselors providing VCT.

What is it like in Chibolya? 
Chibolya compound originated from the migration of people from different places around Zambia in search of greener pastures, but basically ended up being a hiding place for armed robbers, drug dealers and prostitutes. There are basically no facilities there, especially health, education and police presence. The houses have no order and most don't have house numbers. This means finding your way around and finding people can be really difficult. 

When TTF do outreaches do you only focus on children? 
No, not at all, we test entire families and individuals who request it.

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