Although Zambia made a successful transition to multi-party democracy in the 1990’s, the promised economic reforms have been evolving more slowly. It is estimated that 86% of people live in poverty, and the country ranks 163rd out of 175 countries on the United Nations Human Development Index. Life expectancy is 40 years, and 16.5% (one million people) of the adult population is infected with HIV/AIDS.

Zambia has one of the highest incidences of malaria-related deaths in the world. Malaria is responsible for 40% of the deaths among children under five, and 20% of the deaths of pregnant women. The incidence rate has tripled in the past 30 years, and most out-patient visits to health care providers are malaria-related.

NetsforLife^® Implementing Partner

The Zambian Anglican Council (ZAC) consists of five dioceses covering some of the most rural and remote areas in the country. ZAC serves a total population of over 416,000 by training diocesan health workers who reach into the communities to implement health care initiatives. Beginning in 2006, each of the five dioceses has retained a coordinator who supervises a holistic and integrated development program, which includes malaria prevention and treatment.

Areas Impacted

The official country launch for NetsforLife in Zambia occurred on April 25, 2006. Officials from Standard Chartered Bank and the Anglican Bishops led the events of the day, which included a community march and a press conference.

NetsforLife  is implementing prevention and treatment activities in 34 rural communities in each of the five dioceses.

• Communities are sharing their experiences and success stories with their neighbors, which is building interest and ownership.
• Volunteerism is high with more community members coming forward to serve as malaria agents.
• Participation of community members in mobilization and sensitization workshops has been very encouraging.

* Data on Zambia based on figures from RollBackMalaria Country Profiles, 2000 and 2001.