TZ on track on global HIV suppression 2030 target
BUKOBA: TANZANIA is on the right path toward achieving the global HIV viral suppression target by 2030, thanks to sustained national strategies and strong partnerships.
Speaking in Bukoba Municipality recently during the official handover of two major health projects to the government, the National Coordinator for Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision (VMMC) Services at the Ministry of Health, Dr Buberwa Muchwampaka said the country continues to make significant strides in its fight against HIV/ AIDS.
“Available data shows that Tanzania has performed exceptionally well in the fight against HIV/AIDS. The country is implementing comprehensive strategies to reach the global target of HIV viral suppression by 2030,” said Dr Muchwampaka.
He cited the ongoing interventions, including community education to change attitudes and risky behaviours, condom promotion, male circumcision and comprehensive economic empowerment for people living with HIV, as key pillars of the national response.
According to Dr Muchwampaka, approximately 1.7 million Tanzanians are currently living with HIV. Of these, 92 per cent are aware of their HIV status, 98 per cent of those diagnosed are on antiretroviral therapy (ARVs) and 98 per cent of those on treatment have achieved viral suppression.
These figures indicate that Tanzania is close to meeting the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets ahead of the 2030 deadline.
Dr Muchwampaka further noted that as of June 2024, over 7.4 million males across the country had voluntarily undergone medical circumcision, describing it as a remarkable milestone in HIV prevention.
Assistant Regional Administrative Secretary (Human Resources and Management), who officiated the event, Mr Bwai Biseko commended the US government for its continued support through the US President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
“On behalf of the government of Tanzania and people of Kagera Region, I extend our sincere gratitude to the US government. Their support has played a critical role in reducing HIV transmission in our communities,” said Mr Biseko.
He also instructed eight councils in the region–Muleba, Bukoba DC, Biharamulo, Ngara, Karagwe, Kyerwa, Missenyi and Bukoba Municipality, to incorporate HIV and health delivery programmes in their 2025/26 financial year budgets.
Kagera Regional Manager for Management and Development for Health (MDH), Dr Emanuel Sarakikya, confirmed that the two projects being handed over were the Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision (VMMC) programme and the DREAMS initiative.
He said that between 2016 and 2025, a total of 539,835 men and boys were circumcised in Kagera Region, representing 95 per cent performance against the set targets.
Under the DREAMS (Determined, Resilient, Empowered, AIDS-free, Mentored and Safe) programme, approximately 35,918 adolescent girls and young women (AGYWs) received support over two years, from 2022 to 2024.
ALSO READ: New drive targets abuse of women with HIV
“The services provided under DREAMS include HIV screening, testing, counselling, community-based HIV, violence prevention and economic empowerment,” Dr Sarakikya said.
He also revealed that 8,177 orphans and vulnerable children (OVCs) were supported under the initiative to improve their health, education and socio-economic outcomes. The support also extended to their caregivers and families, helping to reduce the impact of HIV/AIDS at the household level.
