The Simalelo AIDS Peer Education Programme (SAPEP) is a Zambian not-for-profit organisation that imparts appropriate life skills to young rural adults in the Southern Province to empower them to mobilise their communities to prevent and mitigate HIV and AIDS.

SAPEP works with a large number of AIDS Action clubs (AACs) who are trained by SAPEP project staff. These AACs are equipped with the relevant skills to support their community and advocate for positive changes in the light of extreme poverty and HIV and AIDS. AAC members are trained by SAPEP project staff in subjects such as peer education approaches; gender, customs and traditions; antiretroviral therapy; and counselling. This training empowers the AACs to support the communities in which they are based in the fight against HIV and AIDS. SAPEP encourages AACs to start income generating activities with the goal of being self-reliant and self-sufficient in their mission to alleviate HIV and AIDS.

Background
In 1987, Nina Atkins van Kogelenberg (currently a member of SAPEP’s senior management team) set up an HIV/AIDS prevention programme for teachers with Wilson Nyirenda (now SAPEP’s Director). Their experience was that, in rural areas, accurate HIV information was particularly scarce, and myths about HIV, AIDS and sex were widespread. After an STI screening report indicated the high incidence of HIV and AIDS in rural areas, particularly in the most economically active age group (15-35), Nina and Wilson collaborated to come up with a solution to prevent the further spread of the epidemic.In December 2002, SAPEP was formed and registered as a not-for-profit NGO (no. 50680). It initiated HIV/AIDS prevention activities through community-based anti-AIDS Clubs in the rural areas of the Monze and Mazabuka Districts. SAPEP recognised youths as the “window of hope” and focused its attention on this group.

With the support of PEPAIDS, SAPEP has been able to expand both the number of project and management staff, and its area of operation.

The Board
Our board of trustees consists of representatives of medicine, farming, business, the church, traditional leadership and HIV positive people. The board is responsible for policy decisions while the Director, Programme and Operations team carry out the day-to-day operations. SAPEP’s field staff represent the organisation in relevant government bodies such as District AIDS Task Forces and District Health Management Teams.