Tanzania Health Promotion Support (THPS) took part in the National Health Symposium held at Chandamali Hall in Songea, Ruvuma region, as part of this year’s World AIDS Day commemorations.
The event was led by the Minister of Health, Hon. Jenister Mhagama, and brought together key partners in the fight against HIV and other health challenges.
At the symposium, THPS shared eye-opening findings on how re-testing women who attend reproductive and child health clinics in police and prison health facilities is helping identify more HIV cases early, so that treatment can start quickly.
The Minister visited the THPS booth at Maji Maji Stadium, where she praised the organization’s major contributions in supporting the government’s efforts to end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.
“You are a significant stakeholder,” she told THPS staff.
Speaking at a media briefing, Dr. Eva Matiko, THPS Director of Programs, highlighted some of the life-changing progress made in the past year through the PEPFAR/CDC-supported Afya Hatua Project:
- Over 1.17 million people received HIV testing services
- Nearly 18,000 people who tested positive were linked to care and treatment
- More than 190,000 people received life-saving HIV medicines
- Over 1,700 people completed medicine to prevent TB
Dr. Matiko also shared more achievements made in the past year:
- 67,914 women living with HIV were screened for cervical cancer
- 52,978 survivors of gender-based and child violence received support
- 165,711 men received safe, voluntary circumcision services to reduce HIV risk
- 33,300 adolescent girls and young women in Shinyanga were empowered through mentorship and life skills under the DREAMS program
In police and prison health facilities, through the USAID-supported project, 89,602 people were tested for HIV, and 2,030 who tested positive were connected to care between October 2023 and September 2024.
THPS remains committed to building a healthier, safer Tanzania—one where no one is left behind in the fight against HIV and TB.
