ADF STAFF
The Tanzania Peoples Defence Forces has received two renovated laboratory buildings that will help the country in its fight against HIV/AIDS.
The U.S. President’s Emergency Program for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), the largest provider of HIV/AIDS relief on the continent, funded the project. PEPFAR representatives presented the renovated buildings at the Makambako Dispensary in Njombe Region and Mbalizi Military Hospital in Mbeya Region to the TPDF in February 2024.
The TPDF plays a lead role in fighting the spread of HIV in the country and is implementing HIV testing and interventions at its 21 military health centers nationwide.
“The TPDF values the partnership between Tanzania and the U.S. government in supporting the country’s efforts toward the HIV epidemic control by 2025 and global efforts to end HIV as a public health concern by 2030,” said Brig. Gen. Charles Mwanziva.
The renovations enhanced the labs’ capacity and will allow more timely diagnosis and treatment of HIV and other diseases.
Tanzania has made great strides in addressing the disease. The number of people living with HIV dropped from 7% in 2003 to 4.4% during a 2022-2023 national survey. The number of new infections dropped from 72,000 per year in 2016 to 60,000 during the most recent survey. HIV prevalence continues to be higher in urban areas than in rural areas.
The country is making gains toward a goal known as 95-95-95. This would mean 95% of people with HIV are aware of their status through testing, 95% of those who require antiretroviral treatment receive it, and 95% of those on treatment achieve viral load suppression.
“These surveys show that our efforts in Tanzania are making a powerful, real-world impact. They also highlight what we must do next to end HIV in Tanzania,” said Dr. Mahesh Swaminathan, CDC Tanzania country director. “These data shine a light on the key areas that remain unreached and require urgent attention.”