Zambia Family Activity (ZAMFAM) – USAID Funded Project.

Background: The Zambia Family Strengthening is a USAID Funded project being implemented by Expanded Church Response (ECR) of Zambia since October 2015 to December 2020 in Lusaka and Copperbelt province with the overall goal of improving the care and resilience of vulnerable populations while supporting HIV epidemic control in Zambia.   Jesus Cares Ministries is one of the partners under ECR implementing various HIV/IADS programmes in Lusaka district.

Achievement and Impact: JCM under this project is currently supporting over 5,900 children and adults that are living with HIV. The support provided these beneficiaries include HIV test and counseling and linking them to ART clinic and ensure that they adhere to treatment. Nutrition and sanitation programmes are also being scaled up under the Infant Young Child Feeding programme to contribute to the reduction of stunting especially to children below the age of 5 years. JCM has established effective linkages and partnership with the health facilities under Ministry of Health to support them sustainably. In addition, education support through payment of school fees and scholastic materials is being provided to more than 1,300 vulnerable children in formal education and vocational skills training for children that have dropped out of school. The project has also improved the income of beneficiary household through community saving group and entrepreneurship skill development.