Network of Zambian people living with HIV/AIDS executive director Kunyima Banda has reminded people on Antiretroviral Treatment to stop abusing alcohol.
She pointed out that most of the times men have the tendency of drinking alcohol while on medication; a situation she said contributes to avoidable deaths.
Meanwhile the prevalence of HIV among adults (15-49) is 14.3percent and is characterized by the following:
Females (16.1 percent) are more likely to be HIV+ than males (12.3 percent);
And in Urban areas are typified by higher HIV prevalence (20 percent) than rural areas (10 percent);
Stable unions such as marriage and “living together” do not provide protection from HIV as these groups have HIV prevalence rates (16 percent and 15 percent, respectively) that are higher than the national average;Although more than 90 percent of both sexes and all age groups responded to have heard of HIV and AIDS, only 36 percent of women and 39 percent of men have comprehensive knowledge.
Zambia Sexual Behavioral Survey for 2009 reports that only 7.1 percent of the population reported using condoms in their most recent sexual encounter in the past 12 months.
Estimated population with HIV is 108,505 (2009); Only 33.6 percent of young people 15 – 19 years reported to have tested for HIV in the past 12 months and know their status.
