Life is Precious - Zambia

On World AIDS Day let's remember how precious life is!
Live long, live strong, get tested.
https://youtu.be/A3UVyiT0fEE

HIV Testimonials Dancer Testimonial from Zambia about living HIV positive on ARVs. Live long, live strong, get tested!

The infections you can prevent by hand washing includes COVID-19.

By washing your hands, you can prevent infections and avoid the need for antibiotics.

Norah Mwashilolwe is a mother and also a community health volunteer in the Itezhi Tezhi district of Zambia. She provides health education for her community around maternal and child health, malaria and nutrition. She also offers s*xual and reproductive health counseling to young adults.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y_vB_Nz8_zE&t=9s

Norah Mwashilolwe educates her community on better health in Zambia Norah Mwashilolwe is a mother and also a community health volunteer in the Itezhi Tezhi district of Zambia. She provides health education for her community a...

Reducing your number of s*x partners, ideally to one partner, can decrease your risk for STIs including HIV. Still, it is important that you and your partner get tested for HIV, and that you share your test results with one another.

If your immune system is weak, it can also make you more vulnerable to the Coronavirus and other illnesses.

What do you think? Can a couple still use a family planning method if they want to have children in the future?

How can each of us be a leader in our own families and communities for better health? We can lead by example and encourage others to practice simple, healthy behaviours.

Chief Shaibila promotes simple steps for better health in Zambia Chief Amos Shaibila of the Lala speaking people in the Mkushi district of Zambia, strongly encourages to seek healthcare from health facilities and not from ...

Malaria can affect people of all ages - sleeping under an insecticide treated bed net at night can keep you safe from the bite of malaria-carrying mosquitos!

What do you think? What should a woman do if she experiences side effects with her family planning method?

Here is why Bernard Hanamwanza champions better health in Zambia by empowering individuals, families and communities to prevent disease and seek health services when needed.

https://youtu.be/nTSKpMtZ3y4

Pastor Bernard Handabile promotes better health in Zambia Pastor Bernard Handabile from Chembe District in Zambia, is also a Community Health Worker who supports the efforts of Breakthrough ACTION Zambia and the Min...

Hooked Episode 8 is here!

What do you think? Who is at risk of getting malaria? When should you visit the clinic to take a malaria test?

Hooked Episode 7 is here!

What do YOU think? Is it important to use both condoms and other family planning methods? What are some reasons for using 'dual protection'?

Episode 6 of Hooked is here;

What do you think? Can young women who want to have children in a few years use a long term method like an IUD or an implant? What are some reasons why young women might want to use long term FP methods?

Hooked episode 5 is here...

Check it out and let us know;

What do you think? Who can use family planning? What are some reasons family planning can be helpful for a young woman who is still studying?

Did you know that an unplanned pregnancy can really affect your social life and slow down your plans for a career? So, come on, be smart, use a condom or any family planning method every time.

For more details, go to your nearest health center today!

Did you know that infants who are breastfed for at least their first six months of life have reduced risks of:

a. Asthma.
b. Obesity.
c. Type 1 diabetes.
d. Severe lower respiratory disease.
e. Acute otitis media (ear infections).
f. Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
g. Gastrointestinal infections (diarrhea/vomiting).

Keep your children safe from COVID-19 and other illnesses by washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

Hooked Episode 4 is here...

What do you think? Why do you think it is important to discuss condom use with a partner? What are some things Mary should say in her conversation with Richard?

Have your say!

When a person tests HIV positive, they should begin antiretroviral therapy or ART immediately. Starting ART can keep you healthy for many years. If you delay treatment, the virus will continue to harm your immune system and put you at higher risk for developing AIDS, which can be life-threatening.

If your immune system is weak, it can also make you more vulnerable to the Coronavirus and other illnesses.

Male condoms prevent s***m from entering a woman’s body and help prevent pregnancy, and STIs, including HIV. Using a condom every time you have s*x protects you and your partner.

Remember, keeping physical distance is important during the Corona Virus pandemic. Physical love can wait, stay safe now!

Hooked Episode 3, Check it out and let's talk!

What do you think? When should you start discussing condom use with a partner? Why is it important for Jane and James to use a condom every time they have s*x?

Starting at 6 months, in addition to breastmilk, start giving your baby just two to three spoonfuls of soft food such as porridge, mashed fruits or vegetables twice a day. This gives them the extra energy they need as they grow.

Keep your child safe from COVID-19 and other illnesses by washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

When choosing a contraceptive method, couples should consider safety, and availability.

There are many options you can choose from and not all methods will give you the same or any side effects, so talk to a health care provider or community-based volunteer (CBV) near you.

If supplies are available at your health centre, stock up on your contraceptives to avoid multiple trips to the clinic.

Reducing your number of s*x partners, ideally to one partner, can decrease your risk for STIs including HIV. Still, it is important that you and your partner get tested for HIV, and that you share your test results with one another.

If your immune system is weak, it can also make you more vulnerable to the Coronavirus and other illnesses.

Hooked Episode 2 is here!

What do you think? Can older men be at risk of HIV? What precautions should Mary take if she goes on a date with the lecturer?

Ensure that you child enjoys a balanced diet. Vitamins and minerals are important to the healthy development of a child’s mind and body and for disease prevention.

Although only required in small amounts, the micronutrients found in vitamins and minerals are not produced in the body and must come from the diet.

What activities can put me at risk for both Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) and HIV?

1. Having a**l or va**na s*x without a condom;
2. Having s*x with multiple partners without protection;
3. Having s*x without a condom while under the influence of drugs or alcohol can lower inhibitions and result in greater s*xual risk-taking.

Remember though that keeping physical distance is important during the time of the Corona Virus pandemic. Stay safe now, physical love can wait!

Welcome to Episode 1 of "Hooked!", a comic series for young people in Zambia...

What do you think? Is it a good idea for Jane to use condoms, even if she is in a committed relationship?

Leave your thoughts in the comments!

Welcome to Hooked! A comic series about adolescent health and life. Over the next few months, we will follow along with four young Zambians as they navigate the challenges of growing up and staying healthy and safe.

Mary and Jane are two close friends who have just moved to Lusaka. They are working hard to focus on their studies while also building healthy relationships with their boyfriends, James and Richard.

Episodes will be posted every week, along with questions for discussion. Follow along and discuss with other Facebook users and friends!

Look out for the first episode coming TOMORROW.