Every young Zambian has fundamental rights when accessing healthcare. Know them. Claim them. You deserve safe, respectful, and confidential care — always.
Based on the Zambia National Patients' Charter and WHO Patient Rights Framework. These rights apply to every person, regardless of age, gender, HIV status, or ability to pay.
You have the right to access healthcare services regardless of your age, gender, HIV status, ethnicity, religion, disability, or economic status.
Your medical information, test results (including HIV), and treatment records must remain strictly confidential. No one can disclose your health status without your written consent.
Before any test, treatment, or procedure, healthcare providers must explain what will happen, the risks, benefits, and alternatives — in a language you understand.
You can refuse any treatment, test, or procedure. No healthcare worker can force medication, testing, or contraception on you without your voluntary consent.
You have the right to receive clear, complete, and understandable information about your diagnosis, treatment options, costs, and prognosis — in Bemba, Nyanja, Tonga, or English.
You must be treated with dignity, respect, and courtesy at all times. No healthcare worker may shame, insult, or humiliate you — especially regarding your sexual health, orientation, or HIV status.
If you are unsure about a diagnosis or treatment plan, you can seek a second opinion from another qualified healthcare provider without any repercussions.
If your rights are violated, you can file a formal complaint with the facility, the Health Professions Council of Zambia (HPCZ), or the Ministry of Health.
You have the right to choose your healthcare provider, facility, and type of care. Youth-friendly clinics exist specifically to serve young people without barriers.
In emergencies, you must receive immediate treatment regardless of your ability to pay, registration status, or identification. This includes PEP within 72 hours of HIV exposure.
You have the right to ongoing, coordinated care — including ART adherence support, PrEP refills, mental health follow-ups, and referrals between facilities without gaps.
No one can be denied healthcare based on age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, HIV status, disability, tribal/ethnic origin, marital status, or economic condition.
These rights are specifically relevant to young Zambians aged 15-35 accessing sexual and reproductive health services.
Age 16+ in Zambia
Under Zambian law, young people aged 16 and above can access HIV testing and counselling (HTC) without parental consent. Healthcare workers cannot notify your parents or guardians of your test results.
All Ages — No Age Restriction
Zambian health policy allows contraception provision to sexually active adolescents without minimum age requirement. Facilities cannot refuse contraception based on age or marital status.
Anonymous & Protected
Survivors of gender-based violence can seek medical treatment (including PEP) and report incidents without fear of retribution. Medico-legal reports are free of charge at government facilities.
For All Young Mothers
Pregnant adolescents and young women have the right to respectful maternity care, freedom from obstetric violence, right to a companion during birth, and free public facility delivery services.
Right to Knowledge
Young Zambians have the right to accurate, evidence-based, age-appropriate sexuality education. This includes information about puberty, contraception, STIs, consent, and healthy relationships.
Voluntary Only
No employer, school, partner, or institution can force you to undergo HIV testing, pregnancy testing, or any STI screening. All testing must be voluntary with pre-test and post-test counselling.
Rights come with responsibilities. Here's how you can help healthcare providers give you the best possible care.
Share your medical history, symptoms, and allergies honestly. Accurate information leads to better diagnosis and safer treatment.
Complete your medication courses (especially PEP, PrEP, and ART). If you experience side effects, consult your provider before stopping.
Attend scheduled appointments and follow-ups. If you can't make it, notify the facility so they can help someone else in your time slot.
Treat healthcare providers, staff, and other patients with dignity and respect. Mutual respect creates better health outcomes for everyone.
If you don't understand your diagnosis, treatment, or medication — ask! You have the right to understand your healthcare in your own language.
If you experience discrimination, stigma, or mistreatment — report it. Your feedback helps improve healthcare for every young Zambian after you.
You are not alone. Contact any of these bodies to file a formal complaint. All complaints are confidential and protected by law.
HPCZ handles complaints against healthcare providers including negligence, abuse, and rights violations.
Free legal assistance for those who cannot afford legal representation for health-related rights violations.
Zambia Police VSU handles GBV cases, medical-legal support, and protection orders for survivors.