Episode 43 – Innovations in HIV Service Delivery: Building a Path Forward with Those Left Behind with Dr Izukanji Sikazwe

In this episode of Going anti-Viral, Dr Michael Saag speaks with Dr Izukanji Sikazwe, the Chief Executive Officer for the Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia (CIDRZ). Dr Sikazwe joins Dr Saag to provide an overview of her symposium presentation at the 2025 Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections (CROI) entitled Innovations in HIV Service Delivery: Building a Path Forward with Those Left Behind. Dr Sikazwe discusses her career journey in treatment of HIV in Zambia and her path to CIDRZ. Dr Sikazwe and Dr Saag discuss the history of HIV and AIDS in Zambia and address the impact that PEPFAR had on the disease when it arrived in the country in 2004. They discuss how PEPFAR has operated in Zambia and provide a current overview of the sudden cancellation of USAID contracts on those receiving HIV care and treatment and other health services. Finally, they look ahead given the current disruptions on how Zambia and other countries can move forward to meet the needs of those in need of care.