The International Organization for Migration in Zambia, with a local implementing partner, Chisomo Community Programme (CCP) organized awareness and empowerment activities during the Nc’wala Traditional Ceremony of the Ngoni People held in Chipata District of Eastern Province in Zambia from 22 to 24 February 2024, aimed at improving Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) for migrants, mobile groups, and community members.

The activities were implemented under the Knows No Borders Phase II Project funded by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, which targets young vulnerable people (YVP), including migrants and sex workers, to promote safe sexual behavior and greater freedom of choice about their SRHR. Through the Change Agents (CAs) and volunteer health workers from the Ministry of Health (MOH), the awareness and empowerment activities included screening for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), distribution of female and male condoms, and sensitization of community members on safe sexual practices.

Through the awareness and empowerment activities, a total number of 3,501 people were reached while 54,935 condoms (1,367 women and 53,568 men) were distributed to community members who attended the traditional ceremony. The CAs led sensitization sessions and discussions on various SRHR topics including contraception, voluntary medical male circumcision, and STIs among others, which were well received by the beneficiaries as shown from their receptiveness and high level of engagement.

“As a traditional leader and healer, it is important for me to know my HIV status, this is because if I do not know my status, I may infect people. Also knowing my status helps me to know what measures to take to prevent HIV,” as reported by a recipient of HIV testing administered by the MoH health volunteers.

The Nc'wala Traditional Ceremony is a thanksgiving ceremony which brings together Ngoni Speaking People of Zambia, Malawi, Eswatini, Mozambique, Botswana, and South Africa to give thanks for the first harvests of the season and is held annually towards the end of February.