The Government of Zambia has officially launched the HIV and AIDS Guidelines for the Informal Economy and the Private Sector Engagement Strategy (2025–2027), in partnership with employers’ and workers’ organizations and with support from the International Labour Organization (ILO). The launch event, held at the Government Complex in Lusaka, brought together senior officials, private sector representatives, and labour organizations to discuss collaborative responses to the country’s HIV challenges, particularly in the informal economy.
Labour Commissioner Givens Muntengwa, speaking on behalf of Labour Minister Brenda Tambatamba, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to fighting HIV and AIDS, especially among informal sector workers. He raised concerns about recent cuts in donor funding from the United States, emphasizing the urgent need for the private sector to increase its support in implementing HIV-related initiatives. Muntengwa also acknowledged the ILO’s key role in supporting the development of these new policy tools.
Jie Yu Koh, representing the ILO Country Director, urged Zambia to integrate HIV response measures into broader labour and social protection policies. He highlighted the ILO’s support for inclusive and sustainable initiatives that benefit informal workers, youth, and people living with HIV, particularly through training programs, climate-resilient agriculture, and financial inclusion.
Harrington Chibanda, Executive Director of the Zambia Federation of Employers (ZFE), emphasized the importance of strengthening collaboration between the public and private sectors to combat HIV, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and tuberculosis (TB). He called for improved access to healthcare and increased domestic funding without shifting costs onto patients. ZFE also pledged to distribute the strategy and guidelines to its members and encourage active involvement from the private sector.
Catherine Kantumoya, Deputy Secretary General of the Zambia Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU), welcomed the government-private sector partnership and recognized the newly launched documents as essential tools for advancing the national HIV response. She noted that the initiative would also contribute to economic growth and the promotion of decent work across Zambia.
UNAIDS Country Director Isaac Ahemesah commended Zambia for surpassing the global 95-95-95 HIV treatment targets. He encouraged businesses to maintain their engagement in reducing the impact of HIV and AIDS and to help sustain the progress achieved so far.
