Lusaka

Zambia / Lusaka

OVERVIEW

Contraception (Birth Control)

General Note: There are many types of contraceptives, also known as "birth control," including IUDs, oral contraceptives, patches, shots, and condoms, etc. If you would like to view a full list, click here.

Laws & Social Stigmas

In Zambia, you can purchase oral contraceptives (birth control pills) over-the-counter at pharmacies. No prescription is needed.

According to a 2015 United Nations report, it was found that about 52% of Zambian women (who were of reproductive age and married/in unions) used any form of contraception, including traditional methods. This rate was notably higher to the Eastern African regional average for contraceptive use among women in 2015 (40%). The most common contraceptive methods for Zambian women were found to be contraceptive injectables (20%), birth control pills (12%), and contraceptive implants (6%). Male condoms were used by some couples (about 4%). While some couples opted for sterilization, the rates were rather low (2% for women and 0% for men). There were especially low rates of usage for IUDs (1%) and practically no users of the vaginal barrier method (0%). Traditional methods were also used at a very low rate, such as the rhythm method (less than 1%) and withdrawal (less than 1%).

Emergency Contraception (Morning After Pill)

Important Notes: Emergency contraception may prevent pregnancy for three days (72 hours) and sometimes five days (120 hours) after unprotected sex. Take EC as soon as possible after unprotected sex. If you don't have access to dedicated EC, oral contraceptives can be used as replacement EC, but remember the following: 1) Only some contraceptives work as EC 2) Different contraceptives require different dosages and time schedules to work as EC 3) You must only use the first 21 pills in 28-day packs and 4) They may be less effective than dedicated EC. For general information on emergency contraceptives, click here and here.

Laws & Social Stigmas

In Zambia, it appears that you can only access emergency contraceptive pills (morning after pills) with a prescription. However, the usage of ECPs is extremely low. In 2007, it was reported that only 0.5% of women had ever used ECPs and 9.3% had knowledge of them. However, in the years since this data was collected, the rate of usage and knowledge may have increased.

What to Get & Where to Get It

• In Zambia, you can find emergency contraceptive pills (morning after pills) at public sector clinics, pharmacies and NGOS/programs affiliated with the International Planned Parenthood Foundation (IPPF). You need a prescription to obtain emergency contraceptive pills. Some of the brands you can expect to find are Lenor 72, Pregnon and Revoke 72. These brands are produced by Indian pharmaceutical companies and are imported into Zambia.
• If you cannot access dedicated emergency contraceptive pills, you can use regular birth control pills as replacement ECPS. To do this, you can take progestin-only pills, like Microlut or Microval (for these pills, you take 50 pills within 120 hours after unprotected sex), or you can take combined progestin-estrogen pills, like Eugynon, Neogynon or Ovral (for these pills, take 2 pills within 120 hours after unprotected sex and take 2 more pills 12 hours later), or Lo-Femenal, Microgynon-30 or Nordette (for these pills, take 4 pills within 120 hours after unprotected sex and take 4 more pills 12 hours later). For combined pills, remember that in in 28-day packs, only the first 21 pills can be used.

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs/STDs)

Important Notes - Learn about PEP and PrEP: If you think that you've been recently exposed to HIV (i.e. within 72 hours), seek out PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis). It's a month-long treatment to prevent HIV infection after exposure, and it may be available in your city. Take PEP as soon as possible. For more information, click here. If you are at risk of HIV exposure, seek out PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis). It's a daily oral pill that can prevent HIV infection before exposure. To learn more about PrEP, click here.

Laws & Social Stigmas

In Zambia, there are no travel or residency restrictions related to HIV status. This means that, if you're a foreigner who is visiting Zambia, you will not need to present a medical certificate related to your HIV status or reveal your HIV status in order to enter the country. Furthermore, if you plan to attain a work or residency visa in Burkina Faso, you will not be required to take an HIV test. If you are in the country and choose to have an HIV test, ad if you are found to be HIV-positive, you will not be deported or expelled from the country. You are also legally allowed to import antiretroviral medication, but prescription must be carried.

Generally speaking, Zambia has a rather large population living with HIV. However, the country has taken major steps to reduce the rate of transmission and improvement treatment options for those living by HIV. In fact, between 2010 and 2016, the HIV infection rate decreased by 27% and the rate of AIDS-related deaths decreased by 11%. In 2016, it was estimated that 12.4% of all adults (ages 15-49) were living with HIV in 2016. The HIV rates were higher among women (14.5% infection rate) than with men (10.3% infection rate), and it was estimated that 66% of people living with HIV in Zambia knew their status. The populations most affected by HIV were sex workers (56.4% infection rate) and prisoners (27.4% infection rate). Currently, Zambia provides comprehensive sexuality education in its public schools, and there are strategies to reach out to adolescents regarding safe sex practices.

Testing Facilities

• Kara Counselling & Training Trust: They offer HIV tests, in addition to counseling and support. Address: Hope House, Counselling & HIV Testing, P.O. Box 37559, Lusaka. Phone: +260 1 227 085/87, 229 847. Fax: +260 1 228 948

Support

• "Medical treatment for people with HIV/AIDS is offered in most public hospitals. However, the financial means of these hospitals are very limited. The government’s efforts in this field are supported by some NGOs." - HIVTravel, 2018
• UNAIDS - Zambia: Contact: Medhin TSEHAIU, UNAIDS Country Director. Phone: 260211252645. Email: TsehaiuM@unaids.org
• Kara Counselling & Training Trust: They offer HIV counseling and support. Address: Hope House, Counselling & HIV Testing, P.O. Box 37559, Lusaka. Phone: +260 1 227 085/87, 229 847. Fax: +260 1 228 948
• Family Life Movement of Zambia (FLMZ): Address: Design House, P.0. Box 37644, Lusaka / Zambia. Phone: +260 1 221 898 /224 669
• Medical Women Association of Zambia (MWAZ): Address: P.O. Box 317 Y, Lusaka / Zambia, Phone +260 1 254 71 0. Fax: +260 1 250 753. Contact Person Dr. A. Mwiinga
• Society for Women and AIDS in Zambia (SWAAZ): Address: P.0. BOX 501 1 0, Lusaka, University Teaching Hospital, Zambia. Phone: +260 1 252 904.
• NGO Coordinating Committee Zambia: Address: P.0. Box 37879, Lusaka / Zambia. Phone: +260 1 223 834. Fax.: +260 1 224 241. E-mail: ngocc@Zamnet.Zm. Attention of: Grace Kanyanga; Executive Director

Menstruation

Note: In addition to pads and tampons, you can also use menstrual cups and menstrual underwear for your period. To learn more about menstrual cups, click here. To learn more about menstrual underwear, click here.

Abortion

Important Note: There are two main types of abortions: medical (also known as the "abortion pill") and surgical (also known as "in-clinic"). For medical abortions, you take a pill to induce abortion. For surgical abortions, a procedure is performed to induce abortion. For general information about medical and surgical abortions, click here.