Partners Zambia is a new national electronic discussion forum (eForum) for the debate and discussion on HIV and AIDS and other health- and development-related issues in Zambia. It is jointly managed and moderated by Afya Mzuri, the Southern Africa HIV/AIDS Information Dissemination Service (SAfAIDS), the Treatment Advocacy and Literacy Campaign (TALC), the Zambia National AIDS Network (ZNAN), and the Health and Development Networks (HDN) of Thailand through the joint Resource Centre project.

Partners Zambia’s goal is to mobilise a more broad-based and effective response to HIV and AIDS and other health- and development-related issues in Zambia by improving information, communication and the quality of debate and creating a space for the collective voices of people living in Zambia from all walks of life to be heard.

The eForum aims aim to:
• Increase the number of people in Zambia involved in popular discussion of HIV and AIDS and other health- and development -related issues
• Promote advocacy, partnerships and networking at local, provincial and national level
• Improve the quality of and access to information
• Increase accountability and transparency in decision-making related to HIV and AIDS and other health- and development-related issues at local, provincial and national level
• Disseminate relevant information, education and communication (IEC) resources
• Contribute to decreasing stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV and AIDS and other marginalised groups at all levels

Partners Zambia discusses a wide variety of issues including:

• Treatment issues
• Myths and misconceptions (in relation to ARVs and condoms)
• Sexual abuse and defilement
• Nutrition Vs ARVs
• Stigma and discrimination
• Government commitments
• Positive living
• Gender issues
• Paediatric ART
• Youth participation in HIV & AIDS issues
• Care and support of people living with HIV
• Sex workers
• Health insurance schemes
• Voluntary Counselling and Testing
• Condom usage
• Millennium Development Goals (awareness)
• Donor issues
• Microbicides (awareness and advocacy)

Wherever you are, and whatever your interest in HIV/AIDS-related public health and development, YOUR voice, experiences and opinions are crucial to making the most of the opportunity to discuss issues, share experiences and exchange ideas on what Zambian society can and will achieve in the future.Remember to tell your colleagues, friends and other organizations about Partners Zambia. Encourage them to join and speak their world!

Visit Partners Zambia on www.healthdev.org/eforums/partnerszambia