TANZANIA Health Promotion Support (THPS) has handed over 40 motorbikes worth $ 52,370 approximately 141.4 m/- to support delivery of quality comprehensive HIV combination prevention, care, and treatment services in Kigoma Region.

Funded by the US President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), through the U.S Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) the project dubbed ‘Afya Hatua’ is implemented by THPS in collaboration with the government.

Speaking during the handover event over the weekend in Kigoma THPS Afya Hatua Project Care and Treatment Director, Dr Frederick Ndossi, on behalf of THPS Executive Director, Dr Redempta Mbatia, said the motorcycle donation is in line with the signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to ensure recipients of care benefit fully from improved access to treatment and adherence support.

He stated that the motorbikes would be distributed to forty supported HIV Care and Treatment Clinics (CTCs) with high client volume identified following joint assessment with Regional and Council Health Management Teams (R/CHMTs).

“These donated motorbikes worth 141.4m/-aim to facilitate essential HIV-related services, including, transporting HIV Viral Load (HVL) samples to laboratories, tracing clients who missed appointments and encouraging adherence,” he said.

Additional uses for the motorbikes include following up on index partners and social contacts for HIV testing and supporting community-based services such as ART outreach, Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) distribution, and condom promotion. “We are committed to continue collaborating with the government to ensure delivery of quality comprehensive HIV combination prevention, care and treatment services in Kigoma Region.”

Kigoma Regional Commissioner Thobias Andengenye, expressed his appreciation for the continued support provided by PEPFAR and CDC through THPS, highlighting the significance of the motorbikes in improving access to healthcare services for underserved communities and strengthening Kigoma’s overall healthcare system.

“The motorbikes must be used effectively and in strict alignment with the set targets. This is essential to ensure that recipients of care not only benefit from improved access to treatment but also receive the necessary adherence support that will significantly enhance their overall health outcomes,” he said.

“With the approach, ccommunity members, even in remote areas, had better access to COVID-19 testing, care, and vaccines and Reduced Transmission through education, PPE distribution, and community engagement, the project helped curb the spread of COVID-19,” he noted.

“This holistic approach made the COVID-19 management under the Afya Hatua Project in Kigoma a model of success, demonstrating the impact of well-coordinated, community-driven health initiatives,” he stressed.

The 40 motorbikes will be distributed to HIV CTCs with high client volumes across Kigoma's districts, including Buhigwe District Council (five), Kakonko District Council (four), Kasulu District Council (nine), Kasulu Town Council (two), Kibondo District Council (four), Kigoma District Council (two), Kigoma Municipal Council (three), and Uvinza District Council (11).