Many Tanzanians have inadequate access to correct information and quality services in related to Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) and Rights and HIV & AIDS, especially in rural areas. While there is progress in infant and child survival rates, decreasing HIV prevalence and improved uptake of family planning, maternal and neonatal mortality rates remain stubbornly high and the population is likely to double by 2030, putting at risk the socio-economic development of the country.
The programme provides policy and strategy advice to relevant public and private institutions in the field of reproductive health and HIV & AIDS. Focus is on prevention through HIV related awareness raising and life-skills education for in and out of school youth.Another important contribution is the implementation of HIV workplace programmes (WPP) in both the public and the private sector. The programme also assists providers in improving service quality. Access to services is facilitated through community- based distribution of modern family planning methods.
TGPSH has made important contributions to the design of the National Multisectoral Strategy Framework and the HIV Prevention Strategy and their implementation.
A total of 18,845 public servants at all levels have participated in seminars on HIV & AIDS. 37% of them used voluntary HIV testing and counseling services offered on site during the training sessions. About four per cent of those tested were found to be HIV positive and were referred for further diagnosis.
Different surveys corroborate a downward trend in the prevalence of HIV in Mbeya region where the German Development Cooperation has been present since 1980. According to the most recent data (Demographic Health Survey 2010), knowledge about HIV prevention is improving: 68% of young women and 65% of young men in the age group of 15-24 years know at least two methods of HIV prevention. This compares to 60% of young women and 64% of young men in 2007/08.
Where community-based reproductive health services have been supported by TGPSH, the use of modern family planning methods surpasses the national average.
Data from 22 schools that participate in the programme: “Prevention and Awareness in Schools of HIV & AIDS” (PASHA), show a marked and continued decline of teenage pregnancies from 41 in 2006 to 12 in 2009.
