Reducing HIV among 15–24-year-old adolescent girls and young women in Zambia through youth-friendly care and community support.
Learn MoreReducing HIV among 15–24-year-old adolescent girls and young women in Zambia through youth-friendly care and community support.
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Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science Zambia & Drew HealthCare Limited (Rise UP!) — Ministry of Health Zambia.
In October 2017, the Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science-LA (CDU-Los Angeles) team initiated a collaborative process with members of the Zambian Ministry of Health, the Medical Director of Chawama District Hospital (Dr. Shula Chanda), and other HIV specialists at Chawama Hospital to conduct a needs assessment of the Chawama catchment area. Out of this collaboration, the “Rise UP!” Project was born.
The overarching goal of Rise UP! is to reduce HIV infection rates among 15–24-year-old adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) in Zambia, a group that has been left behind as progress in reducing HIV in other groups has been achieved. By 2020, the Model scaled up to four General Level Hospitals in Lusaka—Chawama, Chilenje, Matero, and Kanyama. By 2021, it expanded to the Copperbelt with five sites: New Masala, Chipokota Mayamba, Buchi, Chimwemwe, and Ipusukilo.
Rise UP! team remains committed to strengthening the capacity of health care workers to address the psychosocial challenges adolescent and youths face during the developmental stages of adolescence to young adulthood and disproportionately affect them. The continued provision of life skills and psychosocial support services using our unique facility and community model has generated a reduction in vulnerabilities, risk-taking behaviour, and other consequences that they encounter.
Through clinic- and community-based programming, we reach AGYW where they are—with prevention, testing, treatment, and peer support that builds trust and improves outcomes.
Reduce HIV infection rates among adolescents and youths in Zambia by preventing new infections, ensuring adherence to medication, and suppression of viral load.
Support life skills and psychosocial support services using our unique facility and community model has generated a reduction in vulnerabilities, risk-taking behavior, and other consequences that they encounter.
Over 4500+ AGYW have been enrolled to access primary care, treatment and continuity to healthcare.
PrEP
PrEP linkage and adherence support for at-risk AGYW in stigma-free settings.
Care
Treatment linkage, retention, and psychosocial support through peer navigation and dedicated spaces.
5 Rise UP! Houses & 9 youth-friendly spaces
CDU Zambia & Ministry of Health partnership
2 regions
Community
Peer navigators, CBO partnerships, and community support to reach and retain AGYW.
Adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) in Zambia face a disproportionate HIV burden. Rise UP! addresses this through dedicated youth-friendly services, strong partnerships, and community-based care.
Safe, welcoming environments for HIV testing, PrEP, and care without stigma—at nine sites.
Link HIV-negative AGYW to PrEP, STI testing, and counseling. Peer navigators and dedicated rooms support uptake and adherence.
Treatment linkage, retention support, and viral load suppression through Houses and hospital partnerships.
Rise UP! is a collaborative effort between U.S.-based academic institutions and Zambian health leadership, grounded in shared goals and local ownership.
CDU-Los Angeles provides technical assistance, evaluation, and strategic support. Los Angeles–based staff travel to Zambia for site visits and participate in the HBCU Global Health Consortium to advance Rise UP! programming.
The Ministry of Health provides national policy alignment, facility linkages, and operational support. Rise UP! works within government health systems to ensure sustainable, youth-friendly HIV services for AGYW.