RUVUMA: THE Prisons and Police Healthcare Project, funded by the US government through USAID/ PEPFAR and implemented by Tanzania Health Promotion Support (THPS) in collaboration with the Ministry of Home Affairs, continues to benefit prisoners, detainees, police officers, their families and surrounding communities across Tanzania.
Spanning five years (2020–2025), the project aims to strengthen HIV and TB interventions in police and prison health facilities, delivering integrated, person-centred health services aligned with the Tanzanian government and PEPFAR guidelines. It operates in 64 health facilities, including 37 within prisons and 27 supporting police services.
During World AIDS Day in Songea, Ruvuma Region, Superintendent of Prisons Dr Adili Kachima, TB and HIV Coordinator at the Prisons Health and Nutrition Unit (PHNU), highlighted the project’s impact.
“This project has significantly improved HIV and TB control measures, especially in managing TB cases within prisons. It has enhanced access to medical equipment, facilitated the recruitment of health workers and promoted self-awareness among beneficiaries,” Dr Kachima stated.
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THPS Director of Programmes, Dr Eva Matiko, shared key achievements from October 2023 to September 2024. The project provided HIV testing to 89,602 individuals, of whom 2,030 tested positive.
Additionally, 1,362 clients were diagnosed with TB and received appropriate treatment, while 2,697 individuals comprising people living with HIV and children under five exposed to TB successfully completed TB Preventive Therapy.
Dr Matiko reaffirmed the project’s commitment to supporting the government’s efforts to expand access to HIV and TB prevention, care and treatment services by improving and strengthening healthcare systems to deliver high-quality, efficient care.
