Patricia’s story: A champion of hope and HIV treatment adherence in Zambia’s Serenje District

At 60 years old, Patricia Mulenga is a powerful example of resilience, hope, and community leadership. A resident of Zambia’s Serenje District, Patricia is living with HIV and has been on antiretroviral therapy (ART) for more than 28 years. She continues to thrive while inspiring others around her.

Patricia currently collects her medication from Muililma Rural Health Centre, located in the heart of Serenje District. Reflecting on her journey, she recalls a time when accessing life-saving HIV treatment was extremely difficult. In the early years of treatment, Patricia had to travel distances of more than 300 kilometres to reach health facilities offering ART services.

Today, her story is very different, thanks to Zambia Integrated Health Activity (ZIH), which is funded by the Department of State and implemented by a Pact-led consortium.

Under ZIH, HIV services in Zambia have been decentralized and brought closer to communities. This has made it significantly easier for clients like Patricia to access medication, counselling, and routine follow-up care at nearby facilities.

Patricia especially appreciates the counselling services and appointment reminder system introduced through project-supported community-based volunteers (CBVs). She explains that even with a busy schedule, the reminders help ensure she collects her medication refills on time and remains consistent on treatment.

“The services are now closer to us, and the support we receive helps us stay healthy,” Patricia shares.

Inspired by the support she has received, Patricia has become a change-maker in her community. She now plays a leading role in educating fellow community members on the importance of seeking health services early, adhering to HIV treatment, and preventing re-infection.

Her dedication has led to the formation of 17 community support groups within the catchment area, where members encourage one another to remain on treatment and live healthy, productive lives.

Patricia’s journey demonstrates how strategic investments in community health systems can transform lives. Through the support of the American people and the Department of State, Zambia Integrated Health Activity has been instrumental in expanding access to quality HIV services, strengthening adherence systems, and empowering community champions like Patricia to lead the response from within.

Her story is proof that when health services are brought closer to the people, communities thrive.

To learn more about Pact’s global health work, visit pactworld.org/our-expertise/global-health.