During the beginning of June, a group from the American Embassy and the Henry M. Jackson Foundation Medical Research International (HJFMRI) in Tanzania, headed by Mark Breda, Country Director of the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR) and Sally Chalamila, Executive Director of HJFMRI in Tanzania, visited important project sites in Mbeya and Songwe region. They met with beneficiaries and regional officials as part of a program funded by the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), focusing on HIV prevention, care, and treatment. They observed various peer-driven HIV youth initiatives and the DREAMS (Determined, Resilient, Empowered, AIDS-free, Mentored, and Safe) mentorship program aimed at addressing the increasing HIV incidence among adolescents and youth.
Peer-Driven HIV Interventions for Youth: In Mkwajuni, Songwe region, Mark Breda and Sally Chalamila visited a youth engagement point led by Fredrick Mwashimanga, known as Manyota. Manyota is a dedicated volunteer with the HJFMRI Southern Highland Program who uses music to educate peers on HIV testing and condom use, while distributing HIV self-tests. This creative approach targets adolescents and young adults, including motorcycle drivers and individuals aged 15-24, ensuring interventions cater to the specific needs of young people through peer-to-peer outreach.
Empowering Adolescent Girls and Young Women: In Nswiswi village, Mbeya region, the delegation visited a DREAMS group offering education on HIV, reproductive health, gender-based violence, financial capability, and economic empowerment to beneficiaries. The DREAMS program aims to reduce HIV rates among adolescent girls and young women aged 15-24 who are at high risk for HIV infection. Janeth Mwakitege, a DREAMS mentor, shared her empowerment journey after being diagnosed with HIV, now supporting AGYW in accessing HIV services. Funded by PEPFAR through WRAIR, the DREAMS initiative operates in Mbeya and Tunduma districts, providing a safe space for AGYW to enhance their skills and resilience.
Enhancing Laboratory Services in Southern Highlands: To strengthen healthcare infrastructure, laboratory equipment worth Tsh 132,972,500 was handed over to improve laboratory services in the southern highland regions. Rungwe District Commissioner Hon. Jafary Haniu presided over the handover, distributing equipment like 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 enhance sample management efficiency and quality while reducing operational costs related to sample transportation. Hon. Haniu emphasized the importance of proper utilization to strengthen laboratory services.
These visits and initiatives highlight the crucial 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 showcase a comprehensive approach to HIV prevention, care, and treatment. These efforts play a vital role in ensuring the well-being of communities in Mbeya, Songwe, Rukwa, and Katavi regions.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of U.S. Embassy in Tanzania.