Amref Health Africa- Tanzania, with support from U.S. Government through PEPFAR and CDC Tanzania, joined the Government of Tanzania and partners in commemorating the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, marked nationally at the Jakaya Kikwete Convention Centre in Dodoma.

Under the theme “Invest in Prevention and Treatment Against Drug Abuse”, the event brought together national leaders, NGO, civil society organizations, health professionals, and project beneficiaries to raise awareness and call for united action.

 Amref Tanzania showcased its support to people who use drugs (PWUDs) through its Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) services provided in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, Zanzibar, ZDCEA, and other partners with support from U.S. PEPFAR through U.S. CDC- Tanzania. These services are delivered at the Kidongo Chekundu MAT clinic in Zanzibar, providing safe and supervised medication, psychosocial counseling, and harm reduction support.

 The initiative aims to reduce drug dependency and minimize HIV transmission, particularly among people who inject drugs using unsterile equipment.

 Amref Tanzania also set up an exhibition booth during the event, offering public health education, program highlights, and success stories from project beneficiaries. Some former drug users shared their personal journeys of recovery and reintegration into society thanks to the support received through the MAT program.

 “I had completely lost direction in my life. My drug use had pushed me to the point where I felt like my life had no meaning. But after starting MAT and receiving support from partners, I’m now working, I’ve become a better father to my children, and I’ve started a new life,” said Amki (not his real name), a beneficiary of the program.

 Speaking at the event, Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa, representing President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, urged all stakeholders to work collectively and scale up efforts to eliminate drug abuse and its related social and health consequences in Tanzania.

 Amref Tanzania remains committed to strengthening community based health systems and improving access to quality care for vulnerable populations, including those affected by substance use disorders.

 During the visit, Dr. Mgomela was briefed on the Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) services and harm reduction strategies implemented by Amref Tanzania. These initiatives, funded by the U.S. Government through PEPFAR and CDC Tanzania, are part of broader efforts to combat HIV among people who use drugs, particularly in Zanzibar.