Alarm bells ring: Rise in advanced HIV cases in Tanzania
What you need to know:
- Health professionals warn that the increase in Advanced HIV Disease (AHD) reflects a significant gap in HIV testing awareness, posing a serious threat to public health.
Dar es Salaam. Over 23,850 people living with HIV in Tanzania have been diagnosed with advanced stages of the disease, according to the ministry of Health.
These figures, which cover the period from July to December 2024, highlight growing concerns regarding late-stage HIV detection and treatment.
Health professionals warn that the increase in Advanced HIV Disease (AHD) reflects a significant gap in HIV testing awareness, posing a serious threat to public health.
The data reveal that many individuals are presenting with severely weakened immune systems, often unaware of their status until it is too late for effective intervention.
A programme officer from the National HIV/AIDS, Sexually Transmitted Infections, and Hepatitis Programme (NASHCoP), Dr Sylvester Kwilasa, reported that a total of 47,212 individuals were tested for CD4 counts, and 34,508 underwent WHO clinical staging. Of these, 9,804 patients had CD4 counts below 200, and 14,051 were diagnosed with stages three and four of the disease.
“These statistics underscore the challenge of late HIV diagnosis. Many individuals only seek treatment when their condition has progressed significantly, making them more likely to infect others,” Dr Kwilasa explained.
President of the Tanzania Medical Association (MAT), Dr Mugisha Nkoronko, echoed these concerns, noting that delayed testing contributes to increased transmission.
“When individuals reach stages three and four of HIV, they are more likely to unknowingly spread the virus,” he said. “This situation also highlights issues such as stigma, non-adherence to medication, and difficulties accessing healthcare.”
Coordinator of the HIV treatment unit at Amana Regional Hospital, Dr Joshua Kajula, pointed out that fear of testing is a significant barrier, particularly among young people.
“Some patients only seek help when their condition becomes critical, often after trying various alternative treatments,” Dr Kajula noted.
Despite these challenges, the Ministry of Health is working to improve access to treatment for those with AHD.
Dr Kwilasa confirmed that medications for conditions such as tuberculosis and cryptococcal infections are available at public healthcare facilities. Additionally, the government is ensuring that preventative treatments, such as Cotrimoxazole, are accessible to AHD patients.
The ministry has also launched a plan to expand AHD services nationwide, with additional treatment hubs to be established in district hospitals by March 2025. This initiative aims to increase healthcare service reach and improve HIV management in rural areas.
However, research highlights persistent challenges. A study conducted in rural Tanzania found that 42.4 percent of people diagnosed with HIV were already in an advanced stage of the disease, with 17.7 percent classified as having AHD. Each year, approximately 60,000 new HIV infections are reported among individuals aged 15 and older.
The government continues to collaborate with international organizations such as WHO, PEPFAR, and the Global Fund to support these efforts, particularly in providing funding for diagnostic tools and medications.
As the country grapples with this escalating health issue, experts urge increased public awareness and timely testing to curb the rise of advanced HIV cases.
