THE government will
not tolerate any regional authority that doesn't cooperate with
Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), and any other philanthropic
movement, which supplements its...
That was said recently by Tanzania Commission for AIDS (TACAIDS), Director of Advocacy and Information, Jumanne Issango.
He was winding up a
week-long training session in Dar es Salaam organised by Ariel Glaser
Pediatric Aids Healthcare Initiative (AGPAHI), to educate HIV+ children
on how to respond and handle stigma they may be facing in the society.
He said that the
government was impressed by such NGOs' work that is assisting it to
address HIV/ AIDS far into remote areas, adding: "I ask regions where
AGPAHI is aspiring to end AIDS in children, and early detection and
treatment of cervical cancer among women of reproductive age.
They should also
ensure prevention of motherto- child transmission and tackle new HIV
cases and if possible eliminate stigma in the public."
He further said
that any child who is HIV+should rest assured like their counterpart
adults that the government would not abandon them, including bereaved
ones.
They will still be
given free ARVs to prolong their lives." Mr Issango noted that such
children like others should also study hard under the free education
system so that they realise their dreams, saying: "Being HIV+ should not
mean one is condemned to die, one can still live and study to be a
pilot and even president."
The director also
reminded the children to keep on taking their daily doses, saying; "No
one should be duped into stopping to take daily ARVs, as scientists are
still seeking a permanent cure."
On their side,
AGPAHI Communication and Advocacy Manager, Agnes Kabigi said her NGO
that focuses on eliminating HIV spread in children currently operating
in Mara, Shinyanga, Mwanza and Simiyu regions organised the training for
the children infected with the virus to share experiences, and be
reminded on the importance of taking ARVs daily.
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