Dr Mpango identifies key drivers of HIV transmission in Tanzania
Vice President Philip Mpango hands over the First Plan for the Sustainability of HIV and AIDS Response in Tanzania to Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Prime Minister’s Office (Policy, Parliament and Coordination), Anderson Mutatembwa immediately after launching the plan during the World AIDS Day Celebration, held nationally, in Songea in Ruvuma region on December 1. Looking on (right) is Prime Minister, Kassim Majaliwa. PHOTO | COURTESY
What you need to know:
- He says stigma, negative attitudes, men’s reluctance to get tested, inadequate education, and risky behaviours are the primary drivers of HIV transmission in the country
Songea/Dar es Salaam. Vice President Dr Philip Mpango has outlined five critical factors fuelling the spread of HIV/AIDS in Tanzania, emphasising that these issues are hindering the country’s efforts to eradicate the virus.
Dr Mpango made the remarks during the national commemoration of World AIDS Day, which took place at the Maji Maji Grounds in Songea, Ruvuma Region, on December 1.
He stated that stigma, negative attitudes, men’s reluctance to get tested, inadequate education, and risky behaviours are the primary drivers of HIV transmission in the country.
“Stigma remains a dangerous barrier. It creates fear that discourages voluntary testing and access to essential services such as counselling and antiretroviral therapy (ART) for those living with HIV,” Dr Mpango said.
He called on Tanzanians to work together in providing education at personal and family levels to overcome these negative perceptions and prevent further spread of the virus.
He further emphasised that risky behaviours, including excessive alcohol consumption, unprotected sex, multiple sexual partners, and drug use, are significant contributors to the increase in new HIV infections.
“By focusing on changing behaviours, especially among the youth, and abandoning harmful cultural practices, we can significantly reduce new infections,” he added.
Dr Mpango also highlighted the vulnerability of young women to HIV infections, urging stakeholders to intensify efforts to protect this group.
“Young women are at a higher risk, and we must empower them to protect their health while also ensuring that those living with HIV adhere to their ART regimens,” he said.
The Vice President also addressed the practice among some men of depending on their wives’ HIV test results, describing it as a dangerous trend.
“Men, let’s go and get tested. I appreciate the Prime Minister’s efforts in encouraging men to take responsibility for their health. Let’s break the cycle of relying on our wives for HIV results,” he urged.
Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa echoed Dr Mpango’s sentiments, stressing that many men continue to rely on their wives’ test results instead of getting tested themselves.
“There’s a need for men to take HIV testing seriously. Government surveys show that more women get tested, while many men continue to depend on their wives for results. Men, let’s not deceive ourselves. I encourage all men to go and get tested,” Majaliwa said.
He also praised various initiatives aimed at reducing new infections, particularly those targeting young women and girls.
The minister for Health, Jenista Mhagama, revealed that the government spends approximately Sh400,000 annually per person living with HIV, totalling around Sh750 billion for the 1.7 million individuals living with the virus.
“HIV/AIDS remains a major health crisis, and while treatment costs are high, it is essential to prevent new infections and ensure that people on ART continue to suppress the virus,” Mhagama said.
A representative of the Parliamentary Committee on Health and HIV/AIDS, Dr Christin Mzava, pointed out that the implementation of the Universal Health Insurance Law would significantly reduce HIV/AIDS-related deaths.
“While treatment is provided for free, barriers remain for many people, particularly those needing care for opportunistic infections. Universal health insurance will help ensure that everyone can access testing and treatment without financial constraints,” Dr Mzava noted.
According to the ministry of Health’s statistics, AIDS-related deaths decreased from 25,000 in 2021 to 22,000 in 2023, indicating progress in the fight against the epidemic.
Acting Executive Director of TACAIDS, Dr Jarome Kamwela, highlighted the government’s efforts to ensure sustainable financing for HIV/AIDS programmes, as external funding continues to decline.
“In 2015, we began preparing to establish the ATF fund to support these initiatives,” Kamwela stated.
The World AIDS Day celebrations this year underscored the ongoing challenges in tackling HIV/AIDS while calling for continued collective action across all sectors of society to reduce new infections and improve the lives of those living with HIV.
