Community Youth Driven Future Initiative - CYLFI

11/04/2026

30/01/2026

“MYTHS AND HEALTH OUTCOMES: WHAT WE OFTEN GET WRONG”
In my work and research, I have seen just how powerful myths and misconceptions can be in shaping health outcomes. From beliefs about nutrition and vaccines to misunderstandings about disease prevention, these myths can literally cost lives.

For example, a woman once delivered a beautiful baby girl but could not breastfeed immediately because of a traditional belief: it was thought that if the father had sucked the mother’s breasts during pregnancy, the child could die if
breastfed without a cleansing ritual, usually performed by the oldest woman in
the family, often a grandmother.

One thing I have learned is that knowledge alone isn’t enough. We need to engage communities, understand their perspectives, and address fears and
misinformation respectfully. Evidence-based guidance only works when people
trust it and see it reflected in their daily lives.

It’s also striking how quickly myths can spread sometimes faster than interventions especially in the age of social media. That’s why health communication, advocacy, and community engagement are just as critical as clinical interventions.

Breaking myths isn’t about dismissing people’s beliefs it’s about creating space for dialogue, sharing accurate information, and supporting healthy behaviors in
ways that make sense in people’s lives.

I am curious: what myths have you encountered in your work or community that have had a real impact on health outcomes? How have you approached addressing them?

Morris Kaumba BSc PH, MPH, PGDTM PhD Candidate.

hashtag hashtag hashtag hashtag

16/12/2025

Community Youth Driven Future Initiative - CYLFI
Isaac Tembo is one of our unique and dedicated members and a committed follower of our organization’s page. He is a youth and a qualified clinician with extensive experience in HIV and advanced AIDS management. This highlights the strength of our team and our capacity to advance better health outcomes for young people through our own expertise.

He has worked with advanced HIV/AIDS programs in Lusaka, and to us, he is truly one of our own. With such expertise within our team, you have every reason to be confidently referred for advanced treatment options.🤗.
He is a man of God and pastor in theology also. If this is not rich, then i, Emmanuel Titima don’t know what richness is😀😀.
Give home some love.
We appreciate you on the team man of God and our own Doctor. 🙏🙏

16/12/2025

What do we know about public health and climate change resilience?
Any connection between these two?
What about ONE HEALTH? 🤭

To our little friends and every supporter following this page 🤝

We sincerely appreciate each one of you for believing in this local community initiative. Your support, no matter how small it may seem, is a powerful step toward positive change.

With our combined efforts, shared ideas, and commitment, we are confident that our communities will be enriched and strengthened. This initiative exists for the people, and our prime beneficiaries are our communities themselves.

Thank you for walking this journey with us. Together, we are building something meaningful and lasting.

😋

30/11/2025

37%

The Copperbelt Province recorded the highest number of new HIV infections in 2024 with Lusaka province having the greatest number of people living with HIV. This was revealed during the 2025 HIV Estimates Dissemination Meeting, which was graced by the Minister of Health, Hon. Dr. Elijah Muchima, MP,...

30/11/2025

30/11/2025

16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.

Standing Together to Protect and Empower Young People

As we commemorate the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, Community Youth Driven Future Initiatives (CYDFI) joins the global call to end all forms of violence affecting women, girls, and young people. This annual campaign is a powerful reminder that gender-based violence (GBV) is not only a human rights violation; it is also a major DRIVER of HIV vulnerability, especially among adolescents and young people.
At CYDFI, we are committed to creating safer, healthier, and more empowered communities. We recognize that when young people experience violence, discrimination, or harmful gender norms, their ability to protect themselves from HIV is severely compromised. Addressing GBV is therefore a critical part of strengthening HIV prevention, care, and support systems.
Throughout this period, we reaffirm our dedication to:
1. Raising awareness on the link between GBV and HIV
2. Empowering young people with knowledge, voice, and safe spaces
3. Engaging communities to challenge harmful norms and promote equality
4. Advocating for protection, justice, and dignity for all
This year’s 16 Days remind us that ending GBV is not optional; it is essential for safeguarding the health, rights, and future of every young person.
Together, let us and build a generation free from violence, stigma, and vulnerability.