Press Release
Communities pledge to fight HIV/AIDS along transportation routes
October 29, 2008
Community leaders representing port workers, truckers, fishermen, women, youth and people living with HIV&AIDS in (Mbozi), Makambako (Njombe) and Mtoni (Temeke) Districts came together at the Port of Dar es Salaam Monday to sign a pact pledging to work in their communities to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS. The event was organized by Family Health International’s ROADS Project, a regional effort to help communities create “SafeTStops” for transport workers, and protect residents and visitors from HIV/AIDS along major transport routes.
The event was attended by representatives of Tanzania Ports Authority, Tanzania Marketing and Communications Company (T-MARC), Tanzania Pharmaceutical Technicians Association, Mission To Seafarers, Chama cha Wauzaji Madawa, Family Health International/Ujana project, Temeke Municipal Council, and women and youth groups from Mtoni Ward.
The spread of HIV/AIDS is a major problem along Tanzania’s transport corridors where infection rates can be as much as twice the national average. ROADS, supported by the American people through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) as part of the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), is working to empower local communities along transport corridors to fight HIV/AIDS through prevention, care and support programs that community members develop and lead.
Thirteen community groups operating around the port of Dar es Salaam, in addition to transport worker associations and private pharmacies and drug shops, will soon launch activities to fight HIV/AIDS as part of the project which will include a strategically located “Safe-T-Stop” Recreation and HIV Resource Center, where mobile workers and community men can access HIV information, services, and referrals in an alcohol-free environment. In addition, community programs for youth, women and people living with HIV will be strengthened in areas near the port where transport workers congregate. ROADS/Tanzania programs in Tunduma and Makambako have been offering similar programs for nearly two years.
Speaking at the event, Guest of Honor Robert Clay, Director of USAID’s Global Office of HIV/AIDS noted, “‘Safe-T-Stop’ is part of the American people’s larger efforts to support Tanzania families and communities in the fight against HIV/AIDS. This year alone, we will provide more than $300 million through the President’s Emergency Plan for HIV/AIDS (PEPFAR) to help prevent and treat HIV/AIDS in Tanzania. Tanzania’s leaders and communities are strong and resolute in the face of this killer disease. The “Safe-T-Stop” Community Partnership Pact is a symbol of this resolve as you work to rid your communities of HIV/AIDS. We applaud your efforts and stand with you hand-in-hand as you fight this battle on your streets, in your ports, and in neighborhoods all across Tanzania.”