Needs, challenges and opportunities: adolescents and young people living with HIV in Zambia

The aims of this qualitative study, carried out in 2010, were twofold. The first was to explore and document the psychosocial, sexual and reproductive health (SRH) needs of adolescents (10-19) living with HIV in Zambia. The second aim was to identify gaps between these needs and existing SRH and HIV-related initiatives and services currently available to young people. The data confirms that for young people, living with HIV amplifies the need for effective support and guidance, and as they move from child to adolescent to adult, there are a range of HIV-related factors impacting on their day to day lives. Respondents identified key interventions they perceive could improve the effectiveness of HIV service providers, and these are outlined in the briefing paper.