Press Release

American People Join Uhuru National Torch Leader to Inaugurate Mafia District Hospital’s HIV/AIDS Care and Treatment Center

August 26, 2009

Mafia District, Pwani Region: Monday, August 24, 2009 marked the official launch of the newly renovated Care and Treatment Center (CTC) at Mafia District Hospital, on Mafia Island, in Pwani Region. The ceremony was officiated by Uhuru National Torch leader Mr. Kheir Ahmada Mwawalo, Ms. Hajjat Amina Mrisho, Pwani Regional Commissioner, Mr. Manzie Mangochie, District Commissioner, and Ms. Zahra Mkomwa, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Renovations made to Mafia District Hospital, built in 1970, were provided by the generous support of the American People through PEPFAR, the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief.

The newly modernized facility represents another milestone in Pwani Region, which has a 5.3 percent HIV prevalence rate, bringing high quality services for HIV prevention, care and treatment to the more than 40,000 residents of Mafia District. This project further solidifies the collaboration between the American people and the residents of Pwani Region.

On behalf of the U.S. Mission in Tanzania, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) Zahra Mkomwa noted, “As part of our commitment to building the capacity of health systems in Tanzania, we are happy to contribute to the modernization of this important facility.”

The facility will provide free AIDS treatment services with Anti Retroviral Drugs (ARV) throughout the week using a well-trained and skilled medical staff. More than 481 people have been enrolled in care and treatment at the Mafia District Hospital since the program launched three years ago, and 138 are on ARV. The care and treatment center will also provide comprehensive family focused HIV services, including counseling and testing, TB/HIV integrative activities, prevention of mother- to-child transmission services, early infant HIV diagnosis, ARV and laboratory services with capacity to provide CD4 testing on site. In addition, the clinic offers special pediatric services in a child- friendly atmosphere.

According to Kheir Ahmada Mwawalo, the opening of the Mafia Care and Treatment Center “represents a milestone in the fight against HIV/AIDS, providing greater access to care and treatment services.” Mr. Mwawalo also emphasized that while the physical structure is important, it is the dedicated work of the health care professionals providing services, and the actions of those seeking to know their HIV/AIDS status and taking action, that will truly make the difference in the fight against HIV/AIDS.

The United States of America is a global leader in combating HIV/AIDS worldwide. This 10-year, $48 billion program, is the largest initiative in history to combat a single disease. Since its inception in 2003, the American people have provided over $817 million to combat HIV/AIDS throughout Tanzania. In 2009, we expect to provide an additional $300 million to Tanzania to fight this deadly disease, bringing the total to over $1.1 billion dollars. The United States will continue to work closely with the United Republic of Tanzania to strengthen the health of this nation and fulfill President Kikwete’s vision of a “Tanzania free of HIV.”

For more information about this event, please contact Halima Mbaruku in the Press Office at the American Embassy at 266-8001ext. 4196.