Sh55 billion set aside for Tanzania to aggressively combat HIV/Aids

Dar es Salaam. The government, in partnership with Global Fund, has launched a two-year HIV/TB combating programme with the focus on extending extensively the HIV/Aids services and attain the ambitious target of 90-90-90 come 2020.

A total of Sh55 billion has been issued for implementation of the programme.

The 90-90-90 is an ambitious treatment target to help end the Aids epidemic. Specifically, the target aims by 2020, 90 per cent of all people living with HIV will know their HIV status; 90 per cent of all people with diagnosed HIV infection will receive sustained antiretroviral therapy; and, 90 per cent of all people receiving antiretroviral therapy will have viral suppression.

In collaboration with a number of Non State Actors (NSAs), Global Fund HIV/TIB 2018/20 programme also aims to reduce the epidemic and burden by 20 per cent in incidence and 35 per cent of deaths by 2020.

Health, Community Development, Gender, Elderly and Children deputy minister Faustine Ndugulile said on Friday, May 25, that the programme, which is funded by global fund, will be implemented for two years.

"The government through NSAs has received more than Sh55 billion to eradicate HIV/TB," Dr Ndugulile said.

According to him, the money, which is supposed to be used in fifteen regions, was intended to extend HIV/TB interventions.

He urged NSAs to use the received funds for the intended work.

"The grant you have just signed is a lot of money and the grace period is short, so use it accordingly, therefore, I expect creativity and use of technology to reach the targeted people,” he said.

Dr Ndugulile explained that HIV/Aids was still a challenge in the country because the number of girls infected with HIV/Aids was still high.

He further added that number of male who voluntarily go for testing was still low, "this is a big challenge, to reach a lot of people creativity is needed."

Amref Africa country director Florence Temu said the Tanzania HIV Impact Survey report said only 52.2 per cent of people aged 15 to 64 have tested and know their status.

"We recognise the existing challenges to reach our community and help them know their status," we collaborate with the government to reach every region," Dr Temu said.

Some regions that are expected to be reached are Singinda, Tanga, Ruvuma, Tanga, Arusha, Dodom, Mbeya, Shinyanga and Mara.