THE United States Agency for International Development (USAID) ‘Afya Yangu’ southern project has been awarded the PEPFAR HIV best practice award 2024 for its outstanding contributions in the fight against HIV/Aids.

Presented during the on-going 11th Tanzania Health Summit (THS) in Zanzibar, the award recognizes the innovative ‘Shabiki Salama’ (Safe Fans) campaign’ that revolutionized HIV testing services in the Iringa Region. 

The USAID ‘Afya Yangu’ southern project is implemented by Deloitte Consulting Limited in collaboration with MDH and T-MARC as sub-contractors.

Speaking after receiving the awards, USAID ‘Afya Yangu’ (My Health) Senior Social Behaviour Change Advisor, Mohammed Mwenga said that it was an honour due hard work and determination which the project has been doing in improving health, well-being and protection of orphans, vulnerable children and youth in communities with high HIV burden.

PEPFAR Country Coordinator, Jessica Greene said PEPFAR together with Tanzania Health Summit decided to come together and join efforts to celebrate heroes in the fight against HIV/Aids.

“These awards aims at recognizing excellence by acknowledging and celebrating organizations, Groups or Individuals who demonstrate outstanding contributions to the fight against HIV/Aids, through effective and innovative programmatic strategies and interventions that have successfully reached or improved outcomes among youth, men, children and key vulnerable populations” said Greene.

USAID ‘Afya Yangu’ activities focus on expanding access to HIV prevention, treatment and care interventions. These include provision of antiretroviral treatment, pre-exposure prophylaxis, voluntary male circumcision, condoms, and other commodities related to HIV services.

The three-day event convened the entire healthcare ecosystem, connecting and developing relationships that truly move the SDG agenda.