THPS reaches over 800 for integrated medical services

TANZANIA Health Promotion Support (THPS) has registered over 800 people who inject drugs (PWID) in the country for integrated medical services.

Executive Director of THPS, Dr Redempta Mbatia made the revelation here noting that the registered people are currently receiving treatment and management services including opioid substitution (Methadone) therapy at therapy clinics in Tumbi and Bagamoyo in Coast Region.

Dr Mbatia made the revelation during the AIDS awareness week organized in Lindi Region ahead of World AIDS Day commemorated December 1st every year.

She said PWIDs are among the groups of people reached out by THPS in the provision of HIV epidemic control and treatment services.

“Provision of integrated services to people who inject drugs is part of our activities that we do in the efforts of preventing HIV/AIDS,” she said, noting that PWID have a high risk of getting or transmitting HIV to others.

According to studies, risk of getting or transmitting HIV is very high to PWID if an HIV-negative person uses injection equipment that someone with HIV has used.

Among equipment that are being used are needles, syringes or other injections.

THPS implements six donor projects in various parts of the country through support from PEPFAR, USAID CDC and the Global Fund.