Photo: SimplyAvoir TANZANIA has lined up a number of strategies to fill the gap left by partners who have ceased funding HIV-AIDS programmes to the tune of 60 per cent of total requirements.
The government with the close consultations with Tanzania AIDS Control Programme (TACAIDS) has prepared a circular which will lead to the establishment of the AIDS Trust Fund (ATF), currently being deliberated with high ranking authorities.
TACAIDS Policy and Planning Officer, Mr Richard Ngilwa told the 'Daily News' on Thursday that resources for fighting HIV-AIDS has diminished to an alarming level which calls for national strategy to address the situation."Previously and until very recently donors were supporting HIV-AIDS programmes for almost 90 per cent, but now around 60 per cent of their commitment has been removed. We have to cover the deficit," he said.
According to the plan, he said, Tanzanians will have to cough a little bit to make sure the established Fund has sufficient resources to sustain the programme, as the country still grapples with the killer disease.He said the arrangement would enable the establishment of the basket fund sort of which will work in the likes of other funds like the Road Fund which are operating sustainably, effectively, and efficiently.
Contacted for comment on the strategy, the Acting Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Dr Donnan Mmbando confirmed on the plans but said they were still in infancy stage.However, he said the establishment of the fund was crucial now to make sure the country was able to sustain HIV programmes even if donors pull out completely.
"It is true the matter was brought to the Cabinet level but was returned to the permanent secretaries for some alterations before the Cabinet passes it for implementation. But for the moment all the details are still confidential," he said.Economic recesses facing a number of European countries for the last four year years have severely affected their foreign assistance policies, the health sector being one of them.
The United States, Global Fund, the World Bank (IDA), the Netherlands, Germany AfDF, Norway, Ireland Canada and Switzerland have for many years taking a lead in supporting the country in various areas in promoting the health sector.
According to Mr Ngilwa, as the Development partners reduce their support, the country has been recording fewer progresses in reducing the AIDS prevalence that has been slowing down for the last ten years.
For the last four years, he said, TACAIDS surveys have shown the prevalence has dropped from 5.7 per cent to around 5.1 per cent now.
However, it has been alarmingly noted that new infections especially among the youths and special groups like prisoners and prostitutes have been increasing.
The matter is even worse as only 40 per cent of people in serious need of care can get, while 60 per cent of the victims can not get services including supply of ARVs, treatment, food and general care.
"Problem among this group (60 per cent victims) is serious because they don't register in health centres to get these services," he added.
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