Millions respond to Sauti HIV drive

Dodoma. Slightly over two million people across 14 regions have tested for HIV infection from August 2015 to-date, thanks to the Sauti project, Members of Parliament (MPs) were told over the weekend.

Sauti, which is a Kiswahili word for voice, is a five-year health project of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania through the ministry of Health, Community Development, Gender, Elderly and Children.

The project, which focuses primarily on ensuring that all key and vulnerable populations participate in a core package of tailored, client-centred combination HIV prevention, and family planning services - is implemented by Jhpiego in partnership with EngenderHealth, Pact, and NIMR/Mwanza,

Speaking during a meeting with members of the Parliamentary Committee on HIV and Aids Affairs, the Jhpiego programme director, Mr Albert Komba, said out of the number, 82,799 – representing 3.958 per cent - were found to be HIV positive.

“During the period, we have also been able to train a total of 389,772 people on behavioural change while 60,030 more have been empowered economically and now, they have a total of over Sh1 billion in savings,” he said.

Speaking during the event, MPs acknowledged the role of Sauti and other projects in the fight against HIV, calling upon a united front that brings together the government, non-governmental organisations, donor community as well as religious and political leaders.

“When I go to my constituency, I hear a lot about what Jhpiego is doing in the fight against HIV/AIDS. Unfortunately, Jhpiego and I have never met there. If we can integrate the roles of such institutions and those of religious and political leaders, we may achieve a lot,” said Mr Edward Mwalongo (Njombe Urban - CCM).

The chairman for the committee, Mr Oscar Mukasa shared similar sentiments, noting that knowledge about some of the projects – aimed at combating the spread of HIV – was still minimal among some communities hence the need to step up joint efforts.

The Jhpiego Country Director, Dr Jeremie Zoungrana it was vital for MPs, who are people’s representatives, to know what the NGO was doing in their respective areas.