Mitigating the consequences of sexual violence in Zambia by decentralizing emergency medical responses to police victim support units: Report on the feasibility of police provision of post-exposure prophylaxis for HIV (PEP) in Zambia

The Population Council confronts critical health and development issues—from stopping the spread of HIV to improving reproductive health and ensuring that young people lead full and productive lives. Through biomedical, social science, and public health research in 50 countries, we work with our partners to deliver solutions that lead to more effective policies, programs, and technologies that improve lives around the world. Established in 1952 and headquartered in New York, the Council is a nongovernmental, nonprofit organization governed by an international board of trustees. i Acknowledgements The study also would have not been possible without the commitment and support of the Government of Zambia. The Zambia Police Service (ZP) supported the study at all levels, from the office of the Inspector General to the dedicated Victim Support Unit (VSU) Officers in the field. were actively involved in implementing the study and were instrumental in improving the police response to sexual violence cases. Director of Medical Services, Dr. George Msipu Phiri, and Chief Nursing Officer, Ms. Juliet Mwale Musabula, helped to strengthen the linkages between the police and medical sectors and ensured the availability of HIV post-exposure prophylaxis and emergency contraception commodities at all of the study sites. Data collection and routine supervisory visits to the study sites were diligently supported by Inspector Nezza Nyirongo from the VSU national headquarters. Gynecologist and Obstetrician at Levy Mwanawasa Hospital, worked closely with the study coordinator to improve care for sexual violence in Lusaka. The senior managers at UTH were also committed to providing affordable, comprehensive medical services for survivors of sexual violence.