Zambia’s first HIV case was reported in 1984. Since then, infection rates have increased, with the adult HIV prevalence peaking in the mid-1990s at about 16% and staying at more than 14% ever since. The HIV prevalence among young women is of particular concern – this is currently estimated at 26% for 30-34 year olds. In a country where over half the population struggles to meet daily food needs, much more needs to be done to mitigate the impact of the pandemic on orphans and other vulnerable children, and the households taking care of them.
Zambia Orphans of AIDS (ZOA) was formed in 2003 and is made up of three distinct organisations: ZOA-UK, ZOA-US and ZOA Zambia (ZOA-Z). All three organisations share a common purpose of empowering orphans to lead a full and ultimately self-sufficient and independent life. ZOA-UK and ZOA-US raise money from within their own countries to support the work in Zambia. ZOA-Z is responsible for the initial assessment of projects, recommendations for funding, and on-going monitoring. This close relationship with ZOA-Z allows for good governance and ensures funds are disbursed in the most effective way possible.
ZOA-UK was established in 2007 and over the last four years has disbursed over £200,000 to 23 different projects and currently supports over 1,800 orphans and vulnerable children across Zambia.
