Tanzania’s path to independence following US decision on ARVs

In response to addressing aid dependency in the country, the opposition political parties¬: Chadema and ACT-Wazalendo have recommended the creation of emergency policy and budgetary plans to fund ARV medications in the country.

The opinions were expressed shortly after the Trump administration announced the cessation of this aid and the US withdrawal from funding the WHO, actions that have raised concerns about the potential harm to the well-being of nations dependent on this assistance.

The decision to halt the aid coincided with a declaration to halt even ongoing US-funded projects.

Hope regarding ARVs

Speaking to The Citizen’s sister newspaper Mwananchi on Wednesday, January 29, 2025, health advisor, Dr Elisha Osati said that while President Trump’s decision raises concerns for aid-dependent countries, the availability of ARVs in Tanzania may not be significantly affected, as the US is not the only the funding source and supplier.

"The key point is that ARVs do not solely come from the US; they are also provided by the Global Fund, which supports tuberculosis and malaria programmes as well. Other WHO partners are also involved in this initiative, which gives us hope," he said.

Read: Trump order set to halt supply of HIV, malaria drugs to poor countries, sources say

He added that this decision will not only impact Africa but also US-based non-governmental organisations that support health programmes across the continent.

“But I believe the US judges have shown interest in temporarily suspending this ban to allow space for discussions,” he stated.

Recommendations

In a statement, the Chairperson of the Chadema Parliamentary Committee for Health and Social Development, Ms Ashura Masoud, suggested that the government should develop an emergency strategy, both in terms of policy and budget, to ensure adequate funds are available for HIV/AIDS control.

She urged Parliament to address the matter urgently, calling on the government to submit an assessment report and a comprehensive strategy outlining how to tackle the financial shortfall across all sectors.

“The President should consult with his counterparts in the East African Community (EAC) and the African Union (AU) to hold a meeting aimed at finding solutions,” reads part of the statement.

Also read: Move jeopardises health programmes in Africa 

Ms Masoud claimed that approximately 1.5 million people living with HIV currently benefit from ARV assistance, with an average monthly expenditure of Sh204 billion.

Therefore, the US aid cut would impact ARV services and the fight against HIV by more than 50 percent.

Ms Masoud also quoted the Dare Organisation executive director, Dr Lilian Mwakyosi, who urged Tanzania to adequately prepare, noting that only six percent of ARV, HIV, and AIDS funding comes from the Ministry of Health’s budget and the AIDS Trust Fund (ATF).

Also read: Africa could face ARVs shortage after Trump halting funding for health initiatives

ACT-Wazalendo’s health shadow minister, Dr Elizabeth Sanga, called on the government to reduce non-essential spending and redirect funds towards health services.

She suggested the establishment of a National Health Service fund using domestic resources such as minerals and tourism to finance an independent health system.

“The government should increase the health budget from an average of 5.7 percent to 10 percent of the main budget by 2025/2026 to reduce dependence and improve health services,” she said.

She also urged the government to expedite the implementation of a system that connects Tanzanians to social security and provides health insurance for all to increase its financial capacity and ensure that every Tanzanian has access to health services without financial discrimination.