NATIONAL HIV/AIDS CONFRENCE IN TANZANIA

By Ahead Staff

February 5, 2005


Nurse Rebecca Counsels Young Mother
The 4th National HIV/AIDS Conference was held in Arusha at the Arusha International Conference Center on December 13th-16th 2004. The theme of this year’s conference was devoted to care, treatment and support. People from throughout Tanzania were in attendance. In addition, there were people from other countries, an indication of the importance placed on this conference as well as the commitment from government, organizations and individuals to find ways to treat and prevent this disease that is taking the lives of so many victims, especially those in their prime of life. More than 1000 people were in attendance. Among the round tables was one that dealt with Child Health and HIV/AIDS. One revealing note was the fact that only 6% of Tanzanians had completed secondary school. Thus making prevention education as well as care and treatment extremely difficult. One panelist suggesting that education is a ‘social vaccine’ that is much needed to stem the flow of HIV/AIDS. It was also suggested that there is the need for youth forums in communities to allow free flow of information to youth, especially about this disease. Another concern was the lack of youth friendly clinics in communities.

It was noted in the opening ceremony that there is a much greater need for social equity to allow women to have control over their bodies. This can be accomplished only through behavioral change. Of concern are the community expectations for women to bear children. In families where there is an AIDS victim, all family members need to be tested, thus men need to be included in this group.

Other Round Tables included improving systems for HIV treatment, care and support, Role of Faith Based organizations in care and support, Antiretroviral therapy, prevention of mother to child transmission, stigma and discrimination, home based and palliative care, community involvement in care and treatment, logistics, human rights issues, nutrition, laboratory support, and alternative therapies.

The Tanzania AIDS Society, Tanzania Commission for AIDS, and the Ministry of Health sponsored the conference. In addition, other participants included development partners, such as the UN, Canadian International Development Agency, WHO, CDC, Clinton Foundation, and many others stake holders.  Highlights of the conference were the plenary sessions followed by a wide variety of round tables that touched on nearly all aspects of HIV/AIDS from diagnosis to care, management, and support.

More than 2.4 Million
Tanzanians are infected
with HIV.
AIDS is a preventable disease!
HELP US ERADICATE HIV & AIDS.


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