Empowering youth and strengthening health services in southern Tanzania

TANZANIA – In a concerted effort to combat the rising HIV incidence among adolescents and youth in Tanzania, the U.S. Embassy in Dar es Salaam, in collaboration with the Henry M. Jackson Foundation Medical Research International (HJFMRI), has launched a series of impactful initiatives in the Southern Highlands region.

The programs, funded by the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), aim to empower youth and enhance healthcare services in the Mbeya, Songwe, Rukwa, and Katavi regions. 

A recent visit by a delegation from the American Embassy and HJFMRI, led by Mark Breda, Country Director of the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR), and Sally Chalamila, Executive Director of HJFMRI in Tanzania, highlighted the progress and impact of these initiatives.

Peer-Driven HIV Interventions for Youth: In Mkwajuni, Songwe region, the delegation met Fredrick Mwashimanga, a committed volunteer with the HJFMRI Southern Highland Program. He utilizes his passion for music to educate his peers on the benefits of HIV testing and condom use while distributing HIV self-tests. 

“Manyota,” as he is popularly known, targets adolescents and young adults, including motorcycle drivers and individuals aged 15-24, through peer-to-peer outreach. 

This approach ensures that the interventions are responsive to the unique differences and needs of young people. 

Empowering Adolescent Girls and Young Women: In Nswiswi village, Mbeya region, the delegation visited a DREAMS group, where beneficiaries receive education on HIV, reproductive health, gender-based violence, financial capability, and economic empowerment.

Janeth Mwakitege, a DREAMS mentor, shared her journey of empowerment after being diagnosed with HIV. With her viral load now suppressed, Janeth supports AGYW in forming groups and accessing HIV services. 

The DREAMS initiative, funded by PEPFAR through WRAIR, operates in the three districts of Mbeya and Tunduma in Songwe. It provides a safe space for AGYW to enhance their skills and resilience. 

Enhancing Laboratory Services in Southern Highlands: To significantly boost healthcare infrastructure, laboratory items worth Tsh 132,972,500 (US$49,709)were handed over to strengthen laboratory services in the southern highland regions. 

The handover, presided over by Rungwe District Commissioner Hon. Jafary Haniu, saw the distribution of equipment, including mini-refrigerators, cooler boxes, fridge guards, and power stabilizers to regional medical officers from Mbeya, Songwe, Rukwa, and Katavi. 

These items, provided by HJFMRI with PEPFAR funding through WRAIR, aim to improve the efficiency and quality of sample management while reducing operational costs associated with sample transportation. 

These initiatives underscore the critical efforts being made to combat HIV in Tanzania. From empowering youth and AGYW through peer-driven and DREAMS programs to enhancing laboratory services, these activities highlight a comprehensive approach to HIV prevention, care, and treatment. 

As Rungwe District Commissioner Hon. Jafary Haniu emphasized, “These donations are crucial in strengthening laboratory services and ensuring their effective utilization to benefit the communities.”  These efforts are vital in ensuring long and healthy lives for the communities in the Southern Highlands region.

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