USAID Kizazi Hodari (Brave Generation) Northeastern Zone project Highlights Faith-Based and Community Solutions at World AIDS Day 2024 Symposium
Ruvuma, Tanzania, November 30, 2024 – The USAID Kizazi Hodari (Brave Generation) Northeastern Zone project, implemented by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania (ELCT) with support from PEPFAR through USAID/Tanzania, showcased its impactful initiatives during the World AIDS Day 2024 commemoration in Ruvuma. The event featured a dynamic symposium and exhibitions that provided platforms for the project to present its approaches and achievements in addressing HIV/AIDS and gender-based violence (GBV) prevention and care services.
At the symposium, the project presented three significant studies demonstrating its innovative approaches and tangible results. The presentation "Bridging Faith and Health to Address Stigma and Support HIV Prevention Towards 95-95-95 Goals" detailed how faith leaders are championing stigma reduction and HIV awareness. Through training, advocacy, and community mobilization, faith leaders have reached over 57,700 individuals and linked hundreds to critical HIV-related services, while raising resources to support treatment adherence among orphaned and vulnerable children and their caregivers.
Another study, "Deploying Multi-Method Interventions Towards Sustaining Paediatric HVL Suppression in Mara," highlighted tailored interventions for children with high viral loads, such as ART adherence calendars, psychosocial counseling, and family-based support. These efforts achieved a remarkable 93% viral load suppression rate, showcasing the effectiveness of integrating clinical and community-based care.
The final presentation, "Tracing Back to Care After Interruption in Treatment," shared the story of a 14-year-old boy in Tanga whose treatment was interrupted due to challenges at home. Community case worker, leveraging enhanced adherence counseling and increased community support, helped him return to care and achieve a viral load suppression, demonstrating the critical role of community-driven approaches in overcoming barriers to treatment adherence.
In addition to the symposium, USAID Kizazi Hodari Northeastern Zone participated in World AIDS Day exhibitions, offering a vibrant platform to showcase the project’s activities. Exhibitors highlighted key initiatives such as pediatric HIV care, community-based prevention strategies, and GBV prevention and response efforts. Testimonials from beneficiaries emphasized the transformative impact of the project’s interventions, further inspiring audiences and raising awareness about the availability of HIV/AIDS and GBV services.
Dr. Mussa Ndile, Monitoring, Evaluation Research and Learning Director for the project, remarked, “The World AIDS Day commemoration has provided an invaluable opportunity to amplify our message and demonstrate the life-changing power of collaboration. By engaging faith leaders, families, and communities, we are building sustainable solutions to address HIV/AIDS and GBV in Tanzania.”
Through its participation in the World AIDS Day commemoration, USAID Kizazi Hodari reinforced its commitment to advancing Tanzania’s progress toward the UNAIDS 95-95-95 goals and creating a future free of HIV stigma and GBV.