The Martin Fisher Foundation and Brighton and Sussex Medical School have established a collaboration with the Centre of Infectious Diseases in Zambia (CIDRZ) to evaluate the acceptability of using vending machines to improve access to HIV testing and sexual and reproductive health products for young people. In June 2021 the first two vending machines distributing HIV oral self-tests and other products including sanitary towels and condoms were launched in youth friendly venues in Lusaka.
“Young people in Zambia are reluctant to go for HIV testing in traditional health care settings due to concerns about privacy and confidentiality, vending machines offer an alternative where young people can access testing whenever they one without feeling judged”.
These vending machines have been co-designed with young people in Lusaka, we hope to get results on acceptability and feasibility by the end of the year.
