This was a five-year, $76 million multi-country project aimed at improving health outcomes in Zambia by introducing HIV self-testing (HIVST) and Direct Service Delivery (DSD) models. It successfully decongested high-volume health facilities by 51% through multi-month scripting and community pick-up points, enhanced clinical care with viral load sample collection rising from 10% in 2016 to 91% in 2020 via the eLABs system.
The EQUIP project implemented the Central Dispensing Unit (CDU), which was nationally adopted and accredited by ZAMRA. The project reached over 950,000 individuals with HIV counseling and testing, maintained approximately 110,800 HIV-positive patients on antiretroviral therapy, and achieved a 7% positivity rate. Its adolescent focused HIVST interventions in Ndola and Kabwe informed global policy, including WHO recommendations. By supporting initiatives like EQUIP in Luapula, Northern, and Muchinga provinces, the project helped Zambia meet the UNAIDS 90-90-90 targets, transforming the national HIV response and achieving all set objectives on time.
