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By Alfred Zakaria
Tanzania has achieved significant progress in controlling HIV infections between 2021 and 2023. Ministry of Health statistics show that the number of people living with HIV in the country is estimated to be 1.7 million in 2023, including approximately 84,000 children.
The infection rate among adults aged 15 to 49 decreased from 7% in 2003/2004 to 4.4% in 2022/2023. These successes are attributed to the government and stakeholders' efforts in health education campaigns, HIV testing services, and access to antiretroviral drugs (ARVs).
In line with the global 95-95-95 targets set by the United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), Tanzania has made significant strides. 82.7% of people living with HIV know their status, compared to 60.6% in 2016/2017.
Furthermore, 97.9% of those who know their status are using ARVs, and 94.3% of those on ARVs have successfully suppressed the virus. These steps reflect substantial efforts to ensure access to treatment and quality services for affected individuals.
However, challenges still remain, particularly for young women aged 15 to 24, who account for 40% of new infections. This group is disproportionately affected by a lack of reproductive health education, poverty, and harmful cultural practices.
The government and stakeholders continue to invest in prevention education, promoting the use of protection, and improving health services for young people.
Moreover, efforts to prevent mother-to-child transmission have been strengthened. Data from 2023 show that over 93% of pregnant women living with HIV received ARVs to prevent transmission to their children.
This has significantly reduced the number of infants born with HIV.These achievements offer hope that new infections may continue to decline further.
To ensure the continuation of these successes, the government has strengthened its collaboration with development partners and invested in sustainable health projects.
Through the National HIV/AIDS Control Program (NACP), Tanzania aims to eliminate HIV infections by 2030. However, further efforts are needed, especially for young women, to reduce the risks of new infections.
The government and partners are urged to continue their collaboration to ensure these goals are met.
