Zambian empowerment on breast cancer re-harmonization and awareness: A capacity-building project

Zambia Empowerment on Breast Cancer, Re-harmonization and Awareness (ZEBRA) is a capacity-building and health promotion initiative that focuses on awareness of Breast Cancer and its de-stigmatization among the people of Zambia. The project is led by a U.S.-based NGO, International Health Initiatives (IHI) in collaboration with the Cancer Support Network of Zambia (CSNZ). The goal of ZEBRA is to train breast cancer advocates in Zambia to provide education on breast cancer to rural folks and urbanites, and to organize cancer support networks in their communities. This capacity-building initiative has begun, following a robust needs assessment. In collaboration with Zambian Oncologists, physicians and nurses, ZEBRA advocates have been trained and are disseminating Breast Cancer information with the support of educational tools and resources provided by IHI and endorsed by CTNZ. The training consisted of understanding risk factors, signs and symptoms, social determinants of health and attitudes relative to Breast Cancer. Use of a breast cancer tool kit and culturally competent communications were also addressed. The trained advocates were mobilized into rural communities to initiate the campaign. Outcomes, measured through formalized feedback, have been favorable and local stakeholders are pledging their support for the initiative. Our presentation will identify outcomes and lessons learned from the planning and implementation of the ZEBRA initiative, including the challenges in establishing a telemedicine unit in Lusaka, Zambia, which would serve as an interphase between cancer experts and advocates in the US and Zambia, build the capacity of providers, and assure sustainability of the initiative.