Sometime last year, we got our hands on the 2013-14 Zambia Demographic and Health Survey report [1]. The document has a wealth of information regarding demographic and health aspects of the Zambian population as a whole. Today, we are sharing visual output of maps showing regional HIV/AIDS prevalence rates in Zambia. Aside from the overall prevalence rates, we also highlight what we feel are important facets of the results: prevalence rates in couples, in 15–24 year olds, and in [un]circumcised in males.
We also provide some really telling excerpts from the report, together with the maps.
While we are not qualified to comment, we strongly feel that the alleged effect of circumcision should be looked at further. On the face of it, the data indicates a correlation between HIV/AIDS prevalence and circumcision, however, this is not the case for regions such as Eastern Province.
HIV/AIDS prevalence by different aspects
HIV/AIDS prevalence rates overall
In Zambia, 13 percent of adults age 15-49 are infected with HIV
(15 percent of women and 11 percent of men).HIV prevalence is highest among respondents living in Copperbelt
(18 percent) and lowest among those living in Muchinga (6 percent).
HIV/AIDS prevalence rates in couples
In 81 percent of the 6,791 cohabiting couples who were tested for HIV in the 2013-14 ZDHS, both partners were HIV negative. In 8 percent of the couples, both partners were HIV positive, and 11 percent of the couples were discordant.
About half of widowed women (48 percent) are infected with HIV.
HIV/AIDS prevalence rates in young people
HIV prevalence increases with age, from 4 percent among youth age 15-17 to 12 percent among youth age 23-24.
HIV/AIDS prevalence rates in [un]circumcised males
Overall, HIV prevalence is slightly lower among men who are circumcised (10%) than among uncircumcised men (12%), and this pattern is observed across most subgroups.
Bibliography
[1] Central Statistical Office (CSO) [Zambia], Ministry of Health (MOH) [Zambia], and ICF International. 2014. Zambia Demographic and Health Survey 2013-14. Rockville, Maryland, USA: Central Statistical Office, Ministry of Health, and ICF International. URL: http://www.zamstats.gov.zm/report/Demo/ZDHS_13_14_Preliminary%20Report.pdf
