HIV/AIDS has shaped Zambia’s history for over four decades. While the country has made remarkable progress, the epidemic’s effects are still felt every day—especially by children and families.
The Reality Today
- Over 1.3 million Zambians are living with HIV.
- 20,000+ new infections in 2025.
- ~15,000 AIDS-related deaths in 2025.
Children and Families
- Hundreds of thousands of children have lost one or both parents to AIDS.
- Around 65,000 adolescents live with HIV, and many face stigma and barriers to care.
- Mother-to-child transmission has fallen dramatically, but about 6% of babies born to HIV-positive mothers still acquire HIV.
Challenges Ahead
- Nearly 40% of new infections occur among young people (15–24).
- Adolescent girls and young women are three times more likely to contract HIV than male peers.
- Funding cuts threaten programs that protect vulnerable children and families.
HIV/AIDS is no longer the death sentence it once was in Zambia—but it remains a present reality for Zambia’s children. Continued support is essential to keep families healthy, prevent new infections, and ensure every child has a chance to thrive.
