USAID Stop Gender-Based Violence Project - FY 23 Quarter One Report

The project aims to address gender-based violence (GBV) in 28 selected districts across eight provinces in Zambia. The project's implementation period spans from November 15, 2018, to November 14, 2023, with a focus on enhancing capacity building of health providers in GBV identification using the LIVES approach. One Stop Centres (OSCs) continued to provide high-quality post-GBV care in all operational districts, while community awareness programs on prevention of GBV and demand creation for access to post-GBV services were conducted by trained community activists, influencers, and traditional leaders. At the district level, program officers, with support from the National Office Technical teams, conducted assessments on the quality of services provided at the OSCs across all project sites. Trainings in GBV IMS were conducted to District Education Board Secretaries (DEBS) and counselors to enhance their understanding of the GBV IMS. Additionally, trainings for community volunteers, such as peer educators, community activists, and coaches, were conducted in all implementation districts to build skills for effective project implementation. The project achieved significant milestones in the first quarter of FY 2023, including a 30% increase in GBV identification and reporting, a 25% increase in sexual GBV cases, and a 31% increase in physical GBV cases. The project also reported a 75% coverage of post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) services, a 42% increase in priority population prevention (PP_PREV) services, and a 41% increase in orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) services. The project's geographic focus is on 28 selected districts across eight provinces in Zambia, with a particular emphasis on the districts of Chibombo, Chingola, Chinsali, Chipata, Choma, Chongwe, Kabwe, Kafue, Kalomo, Kalulushi, Kapiri Mposhi, Katete, Kitwe, Livingstone, Luanshya, Lusaka, Masaiti, Mazabuka, Mpika, Mongu, Mufulira, Mumbwa, Nakonde, Ndola, Nyimba, Sesheke, and Solwezi. The project's implementation details include capacity building of health providers, community awareness programs, trainings for community volunteers, and assessments of the quality of services provided at the OSCs. The project's timeframes are from November 15, 2018, to November 14, 2023, with a focus on achieving the project's objectives and milestones. The project's recommendations include continued capacity building of health providers, expansion of community awareness programs, and strengthening of the GBV IMS. The project's outcomes are expected to contribute to improved health status and reduced GBV in Zambia.