Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa has said the sixth phase government is committed to protecting and enhancing Tanzanians' health, particularly as the country strives to eliminate new HIV / AIDS infections by 2030. The Premier made the remarks yesterday during inauguration of the National Scientific Conference on HIV and AIDS, which took place in Mbeya ahead of World AIDS Day celebrations themed "End Pandemics, End Inequalities, and End AIDS."
The conference's theme, he said, demonstrates the government's determination to collaborate with partners in the fight against eradicating new infections. "As a result, I urge the community to reassess their stance and strongly resist behaviours that contribute to new infections, such as stigma, sexual violence, traditions that contribute to infections, sex at a young age, moral deterioration, and other risky behaviours," he said.
He added: "This theme has arrived at a time when, as a Nation, we need to motivate communities and individuals to focus on equality and contribute to reaching the objective of eradicating new HIV infections, especially for our youth." Mr. Majaliwa stated that the government will continue to encourage individuals and other stakeholders to donate to the AIDS Trust Fund (ATF), including the private sector. Similarly, he said the government will continue to fund ATF while also looking for more stable funding sources.
The Prime Minister expressed gratitude to development partners for continuing to collaborate with the government in the fight against new infections. "I guarantee you that the government will continue to work with you in the efforts to combat AIDS." Deputy-Minister in the Prime Minister's Office responsible for the disabled, Ummy Nderiananga said that all participants in the forum should use the skills and knowledge gained to improve their work, and that institutions dealing with HIV / AIDS - related issues should strengthen their effort in working with people with disability.
For his part, the Executive Director of the Tanzania AIDS Commission (TACAIDS), Dr. Leonard Maboko said the event provided a chance to reflect on where they had come from in order to continue developing HIV and AIDS interventions. He said the conference gives them an excellent opportunity to gather statistics that help them improve performance, citing a study done in 2016/2017 that found the number of men testing for HIV / AIDS lagging behind, and that they should be encouraged to come out in big numbers to test.
Dr. Hiltruda Temba, the Tanzania Resident Coordinator for the US President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), commended the Tanzanian government for its commitment to eradicating HIV and AIDS in the country, as well as for continuing to prioritise essential preventive services and effective implementation of AIDS interventions. Dr. Temba praised Tanzania for its dedication to attaining the objective of 95 percent of HIV-positive people being aware of their status, 95 percent of HIV-positive people receiving treatment, and 95 percent of those taking Antiretroviral Drugs (ARVs) that have been successful in lowering infection rates.<
Dr. Temba said PEPFAR and other development partners pledged to continue to assist the government of Tanzania in achieving its strategic goals as outlined in the fourth National HIV and AIDS strategy.