Planned Parenthood Association of Zambia (PPAZ)

While in High School, I got involved with the Planned Parenthood Association of Zambia (PPAZ) and I served in the committee as a Treasurer. I really enjoyed working with the youths and my prayer was that in future I should continue to work with the youths.

PPAZ open day in Kitwe

Planned Parenthood Association of Zambia (PPAZ) is a Zambian non-governmental organization which has existed since 1972 as a voluntary, not-for-profit and non-political organization advancing the cause of sexual and reproductive health in Zambia. It is a Member Association of the International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF). PPAZ’s vision is realization of a society in which all people in Zambia enjoy equal sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) and have access to quality and affordable SRH information and services. Our mission is to advocate for sexual and reproductive health rights of women, men and young people, especially the vulnerable, and to empower them to make free and informed reproductive health choices. We dedicate ourselves to the provision of high quality and sustainable youth-focused sexual and reproductive health services.

One on one counselling at the PPAZ open day

Since its formation, PPAZ has been a leading organization in Zambia in the area of sexual and reproductive health. PPAZ stands as an organization that responds to the challenges of the unmet needs in reproductive health such as high fertility rates among women, low contraceptive use, high incidence of HIV/AIDS and inadequate access to services by the underprivileged and underserved communities. In Zambia the organization is recognized and appreciated as a reliable service provider and initiator of programmes that compliment the Ministry of Health efforts to provide equitable access to health services for all Zambians.

From left to right: Nelson, me and Shadreck

Testing the bicycles that were donated to us from our PPAZ head office in Lusaka

 After finishing my High school at Choma Secondary School, I moved to Kitwe and got into college to study Marketing. I finished my college in December 2005 and started working for Zambia State Insurance Corporation (ZSIC) as a Sales Executive. I really enjoyed my work as I used to go in the field to look for customers and maintain old one, my main tasks were to find people that would be interested in our policies. I was dealing with the Motor Vehicles, house holders, house owners and many other insurance covers.

Sharing traditional food with some friends from USA

Cecily and me having a chat after they shared the meal

 I did some enquiries of where I could find the offices of PPAZ in Kitwe and I was directed and I joined the organization as a volunteer. Because of my commitment and hard work I was selected by the Youth Counselor to be an overseer of the activities of the Youth Action Movement (YAM). The Youth Action Movement is a network of over 7600 young people in PPAZ and has 38 branches across Zambia. It is a vehicle for young people’s participation in the governance of the Association as well as in designing, implementing, monitoring and evaluating their programmes and participation in leadership. It is getting increasing national and international recognition through its activities which include advocating for Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health, networking with other youth NGOs, media campaigns and peer education activities among others. I was basically overseeing two (2) branches namely; Kitwe Central YAM and Kawama YAM.

Membership of the association is open to all persons and organizations who qualify under the Laws of Zambia to exercise their constitutional right of association, and who subscribe to the aims and objectives of the association.

Giving a talk to the Youth in Kawama

Me in action

A volunteer may be defined as a person/institution who out of his/her free will agrees to offer his/her talents, resources including time and services without expectation of any material reward/gain for the promotion of a cause for which s/he stands. Volunteers therefore come from all cultures, groups, gender, professions, age categories, races, ethnical groups, etc.

Answering burning questions from the Kawama Youths

There are different categories of volunteers depending on the role they play within the organization, such as Community Based Distributors, Peer Educators, etc.

Kawama YAM Members litsening to a presentation 

Services Offered

Visit one of our Reproductive Health Centres to access quality youth-friendly health services.

Family Planning

Antenatal and Postnatal Care

Laboratory Services

Voluntary Counseling and Testing

STI Screening and Treatment

Gynecological and obstetric care

Male Circumcision

Peer Education

Psycho-social counseling on sexuality, gender-based violence, life skills

Youth Friendly Health Services

Voluntary Counseling and Testing

STI Screening and Treatment

Family Life Education

Drama Activities

Youth Recreation Activities

Edu-Sport

Entertainment

Peer Education

Psycho-social counselling on sexuality, gender-based violence, life skills

Group photo of the Kawama YAM members