Illuminating Tanzania’s journey from HIV/Aids despair to hope

By Adrian Mgaya

HIV/Aids, once considered a death sentence, has seen a significant shift in Tanzania over the past two decades. Not long ago, individuals who tested positive for the virus were left to face their fate alone, with friends and family members shying away from the news. However, in recent years, Tanzania has made remarkable progress in reducing Aids-related deaths and new infections.

Thanks to the efforts of the President’s Emergency Plan for Aids Relief (Pepfar), Aids-related deaths in Tanzania have dropped by nearly 80 percent since 2003, with new infections decreasing by almost 60 percent. When Pepfar was first introduced, less than 1,000 people in Tanzania had access to HIV treatment. Today, over 1.5 million Tanzanians are receiving life-saving treatment, a testament to the success of the programme.

The commitment of the United States government to fighting HIV/Aids globally is unparalleled. With an investment of over $100 billion, including nearly $7 billion specifically for Tanzania, it represents the largest commitment by any nation in history to combat a single disease. This level of support has been crucial in driving the progress witnessed in Tanzania.

The recently published Tanzania HIV Impact Survey 2022-2023 (THIS) study highlights the significant advancements achieved in HIV/Aids testing, treatment, and awareness, despite challenges such as low male engagement and risky conduct among young people. Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa, while addressing a public rally in the Morogoro region to mark World Aids Day, emphasised the successes revealed by the report.

According to the study, the incidence of new infections among adults aged 15 and above has shown a consistent decline. The number of new HIV/Aids infections dropped from 72,000 in 2016 to 60,000 in 2023, indicating substantial progress. Prime Minister Majaliwa urged the youth to protect themselves and emphasised the importance of taking preventive measures.

The decrease in new infections and the increasing focus on providing medical care for those living with HIV are encouraging signs. Tanzania’s efforts in lowering the rate of new infections and ensuring access to vital treatment demonstrate the commitment of the government and its partners in fighting this epidemic.

The positive outcomes of the Tanzania HIV Impact Survey also shed light on the progress made in viral load suppression, a crucial aspect of HIV management. The report shows an average VLS prevalence of 78 percent among HIV-positive adults, with significant improvements compared to previous surveys. Moreover, the survey highlights regional variations in HIV prevalence, ranging from 1.7 percent in Kigoma Region to 12.7 percent in Njombe, Mbeya, and Iringa regions.

While Tanzania has made great strides in achieving the 95-95-95 targets set by the United Nations Programme on HIV/Aids (Unaids), Prime Minister Majaliwa highlighted the need to surpass these goals. The targets aim for 95 percent of people living with HIV to know their status, 95 percent of those diagnosed to receive sustained antiretroviral therapy, and 95 percent of those receiving treatment to achieve viral suppression by 2030.

Tanzania’s progress in the fight against HIV/Aids is truly remarkable. The dedication of the government, the support of international partners like Pepfar, and the efforts of healthcare professionals and organisations have played a vital role in achieving these positive outcomes. However, it is crucial that these efforts continue, with a focus on addressing challenges such as low male engagement and promoting safer practices among the youth.

By Adrian Mgaya

In conclusion, Tanzania’s success in reducing Aids-related deaths and new HIV infections is a testament to the power of concerted efforts and unwavering commitment. The progress made so far should inspire further action and collaboration to achieve even greater milestones in the fight against HIV/Aids. As the saying goes, “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” Tanzania has shown that by coming together, we can go far in the battle against HIV/Aids and bring hope to millions of lives.