Solwezi Municipal Council has launched a two week community sensitisation program across various wards, focusing on Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGBV), Alcohol and Drug abuse, Child marriages, and their link to HIV/AIDS.
The program is being led by a multi stakeholder team that includes the District AIDS Coordination Advisor from Solwezi Municipal Council, Ms. Lydia Malasha, officers from the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC), UTH HAP, the Zambia Police Victim Support Unit and representatives from Ward Development Committees.
The goal is to raise awareness, encourage prevention and promote positive behavioural change in communities.
The program specifically aims to:
End child and early marriagesEnd defilement and all forms of sexual and gender-based violenceEnd AIDS by reaching zero new HIV infectionsDiscourage drug and alcohol abuseEncourage residents to apply for empowerment funds and Bursaries under the CDFSo far, the team has engaged with 208 Grade 6 and 7 pupils and 102 parents in Kawama Ward.
Today, outreach activities were conducted at Weighbridge Clinic, where more than 60 parents, youths and other community members accessing healthcare services took part in the discussions.
The program will continue over the next two weeks, with planned sessions in additional wards to ensure wider community engagement.
