In early June, a delegation of the American Embassy and the Henry M. Jackson Basis Medical Analysis Worldwide (HJFMRI) in Tanzania, led by Mark Breda, Nation Director of the Walter Reed Military Institute of Analysis (WRAIR) and Sally Chalamila, Govt Director of HJFMRI in Tanzania, visited key mission implementation websites in Mbeya and Songwe area and met with beneficiaries and regional officers. As a part of a complete HIV prevention, care, and therapy program funded by the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Reduction (PEPFAR), they visited a number of peer-driven HIV youth initiatives and DREAMS (Decided, Resilient, Empowered, AIDS-free, Mentored, and Protected) mentorship program websites. The applications deal with the rising HIV incidence amongst adolescents and youth, which has elevated alarmingly in recent times.
Peer-Pushed HIV Interventions for Youth: In Mkwajuni, Songwe area, Mark Breda and Sally Chalamila visited a youth engagement level and met Fredrick Mwashimanga, popularly often known as Manyota. Manyota, a dedicated volunteer with the HJFMRI Southern Highland Program. Mr. Mwashimanga makes use of his ardour for music to teach his friends on the advantages of HIV testing and condom use, whereas distributing HIV self-tests. His inventive method targets adolescents and younger adults, together with motorbike drivers and younger people aged 15-24. By leveraging peer-to-peer outreach, this system ensures that interventions are aware of the distinctive variations and wishes of younger folks.
Empowering Adolescent Ladies and Younger Ladies: In Nswiswi village, Mbeya area, the delegation visited a DREAMS group the place beneficiaries obtain training on HIV, reproductive well being, gender-based violence, monetary functionality, and financial empowerment. The DREAMS program goals to cut back HIV charges amongst adolescent ladies and younger girls (AGYW) aged 15-24, who’re at a excessive threat due for HIV an infection. Janeth Mwakitege, a DREAMS mentor, shared her journey of empowerment after being recognized with HIV. Along with her viral load now suppressed, Janeth helps AGYW in forming teams and accessing HIV companies. Funded by PEPFAR by way of WRAIR, the DREAMS initiative operates in three districts of Mbeya and Tunduma in Songwe, offering a protected house for AGYW to reinforce their abilities and resilience.
Enhancing Laboratory Providers in Southern Highlands In a major increase to healthcare infrastructure, laboratory objects value Tsh 132,972,500 had been handed over to strengthen laboratory companies within the southern highland areas.
The handover, presided over by Rungwe District Commissioner Hon. Jafary Haniu, noticed the distribution of apparatus together with mini fridges, cooler packing containers, fridge guards, and energy stabilizers to regional medical officers from Mbeya, Songwe, Rukwa, and Katavi. These things, offered by HJFMRI with PEPFAR funding by way of WRAIR, purpose to enhance the effectivity and high quality of pattern administration whereas lowering operational prices related to pattern transportation. Emphasizing the significance of correct administration and utilization, Hon. Haniu urged regional medical officers to make sure these donations are used successfully to strengthen laboratory companies.
These visits and initiatives underscore the crucial efforts being made to fight HIV in Tanzania. From empowering youth and AGYW by way of peer-driven and DREAMS applications to enhancing laboratory companies; these actions spotlight a complete method to HIV prevention, care, and therapy. These efforts are very important in guaranteeing lengthy and wholesome lives for the communities in Mbeya, Songwe, Rukwa, and Katavi areas.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of U.S. Embassy in Tanzania.