The development of HIV-related mental health and psychosocial services for children and adolescents in Zambia: The case for learning by doing

The success of antiretroviral therapy (ART) has sparked a global commitment to strengthen health systems for an improved response. The response, however, is largely biomedical. Far less attention and funding exist for mental health and psychosocial support services (PSS). While the evidence-base for these services is less developed, the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation (EGPAF) has responded to glaring needs through a “learn by doing” approach. This paper documents lessons learned as we responded to expressed needs for child-centered HIV support in Zambia.