A mother’s mission: Leading the fight against HIV in Korogwe, Tanga

TANZANIA: IN a modest corner of the St Raphael Health Centre in Korogwe Town, under the Diocese of Tanga of the Anglican Church of Tanzania, a powerful story of hope and resilience unfolds every day.

Mama Fatma Mwalimu, a mother of three living with HIV, has become a beacon of hope for many women in her community.

As an advocate at the Care and Treatment Centre (CTC), Mama Fatma dedicates her days to urging mothers living with HIV to take proactive steps for their children’s health by registering them early at the centre.

Her advocacy journey began when she was diagnosed with HIV during her second pregnancy.

“I was devastated,” she recalls, but with counselling and support from the experts at the centre, she found the strength to continue and went on to give birth to two more children who are both HIV-free.

Mama Fatma’s story is one of transformation — from a mother grappling with fear and uncertainty to a leading voice in her community’s fight against HIV.

Now employed as a lead mother by the Tanzania Health Promotion Support (THPS), Mama Fatma is on a mission to promote early registration of HIV-exposed infants, a crucial step in preventing mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) of HIV.

THPS, in collaboration with the Regional and Council Health Management Teams (RCHMTs) under the Afya Hatua project, is funded by the US President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) through the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Their work is central to improving the retention of Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) services in the Tanga region.

Early registration: A lifeline for HIV-exposed infants The early registration of HIV-exposed infants at the St Raphael Health Centre is not just a routine procedure; it is a lifeline.

The process ensures timely interventions that can prevent HIV transmission from mother to child. “From October 2023 to July 2024, 26 pregnant mothers delivered at this facility.

Of the HIV-exposed infants (HEIs), 92 per cent were registered within seven days after delivery and 93 per cent had their Dried Blood Spots (DBS) tested within the first six weeks,” says Henry Mazunda, THPS Communications and Advocacy Manager.

Remarkably, all tests returned negative, reflecting the centre’s success in preventing new HIV infections among infants.

St Raphael Health Centre has implemented a robust framework under the Afya Hatua project to ensure that every HIV-exposed infant is registered immediately after birth.

The health centre has trained service providers on comprehensive PMTCT services, including the elimination of HIV, hepatitis B and syphilis.

Three healthcare workers have already completed this training, enhancing the centre’s capacity to provide high-quality care.

A multi-pronged approach to prevention Dr Daria Matemba, the CTC in-charge at St Raphael Health Centre, outlines the centre’s multi-pronged strategy to prevent mother-to child HIV transmission.

The approach includes early HIV testing and diagnosis by ensuring all pregnant women are tested for HIV during their first antenatal visit and regularly throughout their pregnancy.

Partners are also tested to minimise the risk of re-infection.

Immediate ART initiation is also emphasised, where all identified HIV-positive pregnant and breastfeeding women immediately start on ART to reduce their HIV Viral Load (HVL).

“Counselling and support are provided to ensure adherence throughout pregnancy, breastfeeding and beyond,” Dr Matemba explains.

She further mentions safe delivery practices, such as considering a cesarean section for women with a high viral load to minimise the risk of HIV transmission during childbirth.

Proper hygiene and infection control practices are also maintained.

To reduce the risk of post-birth infection, HEIs are given ART prophylaxis and mothers are advised on safe breastfeeding practices to prevent transmission through breast milk.

Regular monitoring and follow-up are also conducted to ensure ART adherence and the health of both mother and child.

According to Mazunda, on-the-job training for healthcare workers is continuously implemented to ensure they stay updated on PMTCT protocols and provide the highest quality of care.

Impact on the community Mama Fatma’s leadership and the collaborative efforts of St Raphael Health Centre, THPS and other partners have had a profound impact on the community.

The arrival of THPS, as Mama Fatma puts it, “has been a blessing for us.

The organisation’s support has strengthened the local response to HIV, providing education, resources and hope to families affected by the virus,” she attests.

The proactive measures taken by the St Raphael Health Centre have become a model for other facilities in the region.

The goal is clear, according to Mazunda: to prevent all new HIV infections in infants and to provide a healthy future for every child.

A call to action Mama Fatma’s work continues.

She tirelessly visits homes, talks to mothers and shares her story.

She reminds them that early registration and adherence to treatment can make all the difference.

Her journey from patient to advocate is a testament to the power of resilience, courage and community support in the fight against HIV.

The success of the St Raphael Health Centre in Tanga is a reminder that, with the right support and commitment, even the most daunting health challenges can be overcome.

The CDC/PEPFAR ‘Afya Hatua’ Project, running from October 2021 to September 2026 in four regions of Tanzania (Kigoma, Pwani, Shinyanga and Tanga), aims to deliver high-quality HIV prevention, care and treatment services.

This includes Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision (VMMC) in Kigoma and Shinyanga and the DREAMS program in Shinyanga, a comprehensive initiative targeting young women and girls, providing them with core interventions to reduce their vulnerability to HIV.

Over the past 21 years, the US government, through PEPFAR, has invested over $7 billion in Tanzania to combat the HIV pandemic.

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When PEPFAR began its work here in Tanzania in 2003, there were fewer than 1,000 people on treatment. Today, PEPFAR supports more than 1.5 million people on life-saving ARV treatment.

AIDS-related deaths in Tanzania have declined by 76 per cent since their peak in 2003, and new infections have declined by 58 percent.

Jessica Greene, PEPFAR Tanzania Country Coordinator, said the goal to end HIV/AIDS as a public health threat by 2030 is ambitious but achievable.

“The US Government is proud to partner with the Government of Tanzania to achieve the UNAIDS 95- 95-95 goals by 2025, which aim for 95 per cent of people living with HIV to be aware of their status, 95 per cent of those diagnosed to be on treatment and 95 per cent of those on treatment to achieve viral load suppression,” said Green