Zambia

Stanford professors recently confirmed what many in the advocacy community saw coming: PEPFAR has made significant progress on ensuring access to care and treatment, but has not curbed new infections.

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Both young men and young women in Zambia are under pressure to engage in multiple sexual relationships. For men, it's due to norms of masculinity, and for women, it's due to economic hardship.

Zambia is an ideal country in which to assess the effects of U.S. policy and funding through PEPFAR. SIECUS and Population Action International's recent policy research trip to the country led to some disturbing observations that should inform the current debate over PEPFAR reauthorization.

How would AIDS service organizations in American cities respond if they had to sign the anti-prostitution pledge required of PEPFAR grantees? What impact would that pledge have on Americans at risk for HIV infection?

Follow Pamela Merritt on Twitter, @SharkFu

Nothing short of a Herculean effort is required to help the growing legion of orphans in Zambia to lead normal lives. A holistic approach including provisions for nutrition, health and cognitive development, and educational and psychosocial support is required to effectively respond to the orphan crisis.