HIV survey to include all ages

DAILY NEWS Reporter

THE government has extended its population-based HIV serological survey to include all age groups to establish the rate at which people contract new infections. Tanzania’s overall HIV prevalence fell from a high of 7.0 per cent in 2003 to 5.7 pc and 5.1 pc in 2007 and 2011 respectively.

Some 6.2 pc of women tested positive, compared to 3.8 pc of men, according to the last national HIV impact survey conducted five years ago. Government officials have insisted the earlier adopted system to collect information and estimate prevalence of HIV and AIDS for all persons excluded a section of age brackets.

“The survey involved persons aged 15- 49. This excluded HIV prevalence for population under 17 years and above 50 years,” said Dr Albina Chuwa, Director General of the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).

Delivering her remarks at the 2016 Tanzania HIV impact Survey (THIS) stakeholders’ meeting in Dar es Salaam yesterday, the chief statistician said the new survey will now enable the government to determine HIV status of persons aged 0-17 and adult population.

The new findings, expected to unearth how far the country has succeeded, in combating the disease will give a roadmap towards implementation of sustainable development goal three, to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all ages.

Indeed, it will allow proper planning for the attainment of three zeros; new infections, discrimination and death. About 7.4billion/- (US$3.5million) has been discharged by ICAP to finance the survey in Tanzania Mainland and Isles.

The TACAIDS Chair, Dr Fatuma Mrisho, told stakeholders that AIDS still very much affected the Tanzanian economy. She pointed out that the HIV and AIDS trends were disturbing. “And for that, we must put a clear track to evaluate our performance,” she observed.

“We aim to ensure that 90 pc of all HIV positive persons understand their health status by 2020. Yet the same number should also have proper treatment,” she noted.

According to the chairperson, the new mid-term targets have been improved by adopting new technology, thanks to support from US President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). However, activists have welcomed the new plan saying would bridge the data gap in the crucial health area.

ICAP Project Director Veronicah Mugisha, giving the overview of the survey, said the rate of new infections remains unclear following success in the number of people using anti-retroviral (ARVs).

The director was hopeful that the new survey will describe HIV risk behaviour; and for the first time — Hepatitis B and C issues. She highlighted that other than Tanzania; Uganda and Lesotho are also collecting data, including young and the elderly population.

Zimbabwe and Malawi are in the final stages of their survey. “The survey is a gold standard survey, which will not only involve the sex