IN BUT FREE

Strengthening Partnerships for Climate-Smart Agriculture in Meheba Refugee Settlement 🌱

IN BUT FREE (IBF) was delighted to host our partners from JAC TRUST, who fund the IBF Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) Project in Meheba Refugee Settlement, during their visit from 23rd to 29th August 2026.

The visit provided an opportunity for our partners to see first-hand the various activities being implemented under the CSA project, interact with beneficiaries, and learn about the progress and impact of the initiative.

The visit also provided an opportunity for JAC Trust to engage with key stakeholders and partners supporting the work in Meheba, including the Commissioner for Refugees, the Kalumbila District Office, and other organisations working within the Settlement.

IBF values the continued partnership with JAC Trust and the collaboration of all stakeholders working together to strengthen resilience, sustainable livelihoods and climate-smart agricultural practices among refugees and host communities in Meheba.

🌍 TOGETHER, WE WILL ELIMINATE TB
In But Free (IBF) was honoured to join the Ministry of Health and other partners at the National World TB Day Commemoration on 24th March 2026 which was held at Muchinga Grounds in Lusaka.
The event, held under the theme “Yes! We Can End TB: Led by Zambia, Powered by the Community,” brought together key stakeholders, including representatives from the World Health Organisation (WHO), the US Government, government departments, civil society organisations, and cooperating partners, all united in the fight against tuberculosis.
The commemoration was officiated by the Honourable Minister of Health, Dr Alex Katakwe, who reaffirmed Government’s strong commitment to ending TB in Zambia by 2030.
He highlighted that significant investments have been made to ensure TB screening and treatment services are accessible to all citizens at no cost. He further called on stakeholders, local investors, communities, and cooperating partners to strengthen collaboration and support sustainable financing for TB programmes.
“Every contribution counts in this fight. Together, we can and will eliminate TB.”
As IBF, we remain committed to supporting national efforts through community engagement, health promotion, and strengthening infection prevention and control, especially in high-risk and underserved settings.

YES! WE CAN END TB!
In But Free proudly stood alongside the Zambia Correctional Service and our fellow Prison Health Advisory Committee (PHAC) partners at the Lusaka Female Correctional Centre in commemorating World TB Day 2026.

We were honoured to be joined by Commissioner for Corrections and Extension Services, Ms Namataa Mayubelo (representing the Commissioner General), who delivered a powerful message under this year’s global theme:
“Yes! We Can End TB: Led by Countries, Powered by People.”

🛡️ Priority Actions to Accelerate TB Elimination in Prisons
✅ Expanded Testing – Scaling up GeneXpert diagnostics across all regions
✅ Decongestion – Applying lawful measures to reduce overcrowding and limit TB transmission
✅ Childhood TB Programming – Protecting vulnerable children within correctional facilities
✅ Officer Wellness – Launching a 2026 initiative to support frontline correctional staff

As PHAC Representative Mr. Mwaka Chilinya emphasised, these achievements are only possible through strong partnerships. TB is preventable and curable, and through early detection, collaboration, and national leadership, we can ensure health for all, both within correctional facilities and beyond.
Together, we can end TB. 💪

Transforming Lives Through Climate Smart Agriculture in Meheba! 🌍
We are excited to share the remarkable progress of our Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA) Project in Meheba Refugee Settlement, made possible with the generous support of JAC Trust!
Over the past year, we have worked hand-in-hand with refugees and host community beneficiaries to build resilience, promote sustainability, and improve livelihoods through innovative farming practices and clean energy solutions.

Here’s what we’ve accomplished together:

✅ Launched the CSA Project in February 2025 with the support of the Kalumbila District Commissioner and local leaders.
✅ Trained farmers in Climate Smart Agriculture techniques, including compost making, manure tea, vegetable nursery establishment, and organic pest management.
✅ Distributed farming inputs such as vegetable seeds, hoes, banana suckers, and watering cans to kickstart sustainable food production.
✅ Advanced the installation of a community biodigester—now producing biogas and organic liquid fertilizer, to provide clean energy and enrich soil health.
✅ Fostered strong collaborations with government offices, local organizations, and community leaders to ensure the project’s success and sustainability.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to JAC Trust for their invaluable support, and to our dedicated partners, local authorities, and the resilient community of Meheba for their unwavering commitment.
Together, we are sowing seeds of hope, resilience, and sustainable growth. 💚

On 2nd December, In But Free (IBF) joined the Solwezi Correctional Facility in commemorating the 2025 World AIDS Day under the theme “Overcoming Disruption, Transforming the AIDS Response.”
The Acting Solwezi District Commissioner, Dr Anthony Fulwe, who served as the Guest of Honour, emphasised the ongoing need to fight HIV, noting that while correctional facilities face unique challenges, every person deserves access to health, dignity, and care. He acknowledged the important role partners like IBF play in ensuring inmates and officers receive testing, counselling, and treatment, and he called for renewed efforts to end stigma and support a future free from HIV and AIDS.
The event was attended by the Zambia Correctional Service (ZCS) North-Western Regional Commander, the Solwezi District Health Director, the Solwezi Correctional facility Officer In Charge, ZCS officers, MoH staff, IBF staff, and inmates from the facility. The event was marked with performances from Peer Educators, drama group, and the choir.
IBF remains committed to supporting health, awareness, and hope in congregate settings.

On 20th October, In But Free (IBF) was honoured to participate in the Ubumi Prison Initiative (UPI) review meeting for the Civil Society Mobilisation for Strategic Interventions for Health in Zambian Prisons project which was held in Kabwe . This initiative, is implemented in Lusaka, Central, and Eastern Provinces and it focuses on improving health and nutrition within correctional facilities.
The meeting brought together Zambia Correctional Service Officers-in-Charge and officers from Mukobeko Maximum, Mukobeko Medium, and Kabwe Female Correctional Facilities. The event was officially opened by the Central Province ZCS Regional Commander, who was the Guest of Honour.
As IBF is implementing a similar project with UPI in the Kabwe correctional facilities, the meeting provided an opportunity to share our achievements, discuss challenges encountered, and jointly (with all partners present) explore practical ways to strengthen the implementation of these important health programmes.

On 14th November, In But Free successfully hosted the 2025 Education and Sports Tournament at Kamfinsa Correctional Facility. The event brought together five correctional facilities Kamfinsa Male, Kamfinsa Female, Kasenshi, Mufulira, and Luanshya for a day of learning, engagement, and healthy competition.
The tournament aims to promote awareness on key health issues affecting both inmates and correctional officers, including TB, HIV, mental health, hygiene, and other related public health concerns. The event was graced by the Deputy Commanding Officer of Kamfinsa Correctional Facility, who served as the Guest of Honour.
Male participants competed in football, while female teams took part in netball matches. Mufulira Correctional Facility emerged champions in the men’s football category after a strong performance against Kamfinsa Male in the final. In the women’s division, Kamfinsa Female dominated the netball games, securing the title of 2025 champions.
In But Free extends its appreciation to all participating facilities, partners, and officers who made this important event a success.

During the month of October, In But Free (IBF) conducted four capacity-building trainings for Officers from the Zambia Correctional Service (ZCS) two focused on Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) and two on TB Management.
The trainings were held in Copperbelt Province and Central Province, and brought together Senior Officers, Health Coordinators, Health Staff, and Officers working in key operational areas. Participants were drawn from ZCS Headquarters, Central Province, Copperbelt, and North-Western Province.
The trainings aimed at equipping officers with essential knowledge and practical skills to enhance the effective implementation of health programmes within correctional facilities, thereby promoting safer and healthier environments for both staff and inmates.

In But Free, together with other partner organisations in Kitwe District, joined the rest of the nation in commemorating the HIV Testing, Counselling, and Treatment Day, held under the theme: “Invest in a Sustainable Future! for HIV, Prevention for a Sustainable Future.”
The commemoration took place at Luangwa Market in Luangwa Township, Kitwe. The Guest of Honour was the Kitwe District Commissioner, Mr Oncemore Ngonomo. Also present was Her Worship the Mayor of Kitwe, Ms Mpasa Mwaya, represented by His Worship the Deputy Mayor, Mr Alex Mwango.
The event further drew participation from the Copperbelt Provincial Health Office, Councillors from across Kitwe District, officials and staff from the Kitwe City Council, representatives from the Kitwe District Health Office, partner organisations operating in the district, as well as health personnel and residents of Luangwa Township.

In But Free, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health through the National Tuberculosis and Leprosy Programme (NTLP), has just concluded a successful 5-day workshop focused on developing a National Rehabilitation Package for Post-TB Lung Disease (PTLD).
This milestone event held in Chilanga at Twangale park brought together a diverse team of TB experts and practitioners from across Zambia, united in a shared goal: to lead the development of a comprehensive PTLD rehabilitation package that will strengthen care and improve quality of life for TB survivors.
Together, we’re shaping a healthier future beyond TB. 💪🏽🫁🇿🇲