Reaching out in hostile communities in Lusaka

Last year TTF worked in a variety of different compounds around Lusaka to reach as many people as possible.  In 2014, funded by the Diplomatic Spouses Association of Zambia, we have begun  undertaking much smaller more targeted  outreaches in Chibolya, one of the most economically and socially deprived areas of Lusaka.  

Chibolya has no government facilities, including no health posts, government schools or law  enforcement services. The community is  incredibly hostile and suspicious of outside  organisations and  NGO’s. We have been operating in the community through our social work team and utilising our volunteer women’s groups to build a trust with community leaders, teachers and schools. 

Through hard work and perseverance TTF staff have successfully held 27 outreaches and tested 1,575 individuals for HIV.   

We have been working with community schools and undertaking incredibly time-consuming door-to-door services to ensure that this at-risk community is supported through our work.  Having learned a lot through our first year  working in Chibolya, we are committed to  continue offering vital HIV testing services in this community in 2015.  

It costs TTF around $1,000 per month to run four community outreaches and test up to 400 individuals with the support of local organisations like the DSA and individual donors we can continue to operate in this hard to reach compound.