Addressing HIV/AIDS and gender-based violence through comprehensive programming: the "Our Health, Our Responsibility" program

Similar to other developing countries, Zambia is experiencing high rates of both gender-based violence (GBV) as well as Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS). Both of these issues present significant public health concerns for the country. Research suggests that there is a relationship between the two. Programs addressing one or the other of these issues have been implemented in Zambia; however, projects addressing both issues are limited in number. Combined programs have been successfully implemented in other countries that share characteristics similar to Zambia, so it is likely that this type of program could be successfully implemented in Zambia. This paper reviews eight programs addressing HIV, GBV, or both that were implemented in Zambia and other countries. Key successful components of those programs are identified to inform the design of a potential program in Zambia