Where we work

Zambia

Catherine Mukuka, IYCN country coordinator, leads a focus group with<strong> </strong>community volunteers at a prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV clinic in Zambia.

Catherine Mukuka, IYCN country coordinator (second from left), leads a focus group with community volunteers at an infant and young child growth monitoring clinic in Zambia.

In Zambia, inadequate feeding practices put many infants and children at risk of chronic malnutrition. In addition, infants of HIV-positive mothers are at high risk of HIV transmission because of unsafe feeding practices. We work to improve nutrition interventions in prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV and child health services and conduct supportive community-based activities. We are also working to increase the availability of nutrient-dense foods for HIV-positive mothers, their children, and other orphans and vulnerable children.

Highlights

  • The IYCN Project is helping the government of Zambia and PEPFAR partners improve training for health workers and community volunteers in maternal nutrition and infant and young child feeding counseling for HIV-positive mothers and other caregivers of HIV-affected children to prevent malnutrition in mothers and children and prevent mother-to-child transmission.
  • We are helping identify, improve, and ensure the quality of existing food supplements and new food supplements for HIV-positive women, their children, and other orphans and vulnerable children.

Learn more

Resources

Improving infant feeding to protect babies from HIV

Qualitative Assessment of Maternal Nutrition Practices in Zambia

Success Story: Zambia

Contact

For more information, contact the IYCN office in Zambia.

Photos: Aurelio Ayala III, Richard Lord, Marni Laverentz