U.S. CDC and THPS hand over refurbished Care and Treatment Clinic and medical equipment worth TZS270 million to Kigoma region
Kigoma, 16 April, 2024: The Ilagala Health Center’s Care and Treatment Clinic in Uvinza District, Kigoma Region has undergone a remarkable transformation, thanks to the tireless efforts of the Afya Hatua project implemented by Tanzania Health Promotion Support (THPS), with funding from US President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), through the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The official handover ceremony took place today at Ilagala Health Centre, with the Associate Director of Programs for CDC Tanzania, Dr. George Mgomella , presenting the refurbished clinic and cervical cancer screening and prevention equipment to Kigoma Regional Commissioner, Hon. Thobias Andengenye.
This occasion was also attended by THPS Executive Director, Dr. Redempta Mbatia.
Kigoma Regional Administrative Secretary, Regional Medical Officer, Uvinza District Commissioner, District Executive Director, District Medical Officer, Ilangala Health Center staff, THPS officials and community members were all in attendance to witness this important milestone.
The refurbishment, at a total cost of TZS.211 million (US$84,000), covered the rehabilitation and alteration of various medical rooms within the clinic, including consultation rooms, registration room, laboratory, pharmacy, waiting space, and medical records room.
It is anticipated that the improvements to the building will create a more conducive environment for providing high quality care and treatment services to recipients of care.
Dr. Mgomella, emphasized the importance of collaboration and partnership in the fight against HIV and AIDS. He commended the Ministry of Health, President’s Office, Regional Administration and Local Government, Kigoma regional officials, local government authorities, and THPS for their unwavering commitment to providing quality health services to those in need.
“These enhancements will not only improve the quality of care provided but also the overall experience for those receiving services at the facility”, he said.
In addition to the refurbished CTC building, Dr. Mgomella also handed over three Thermocoagulation machines and three Cryotherapy machines to aid in the detection and treatment of pre-cancerous cervical lesions.
These machines, valued at a total of TZS 58.7 million (USD 23,800), will play a crucial role in providing life-saving care to eligible women in the area.
“We believe that by investing in these advanced technologies, we can make a significant impact on the lives of those in need”, said Dr Mgomella.
Speaking at the event, Hon. Andengenye expressed his heartfelt appreciation for the continuous support provided by the U.S. government through CDC and THPS in the fight against the HIV epidemic in Kigoma region.
Hon. Andengenye pledged to maintain the necessary cooperation with CDC and THPS to continue saving lives and controlling HIV and AIDS in the region. He acknowledged the dedication and hard work of all those involved in the battle against the deadly virus, and emphasized the importance of working together to achieve common goals.
“This facility plays a very crucial role in providing essential healthcare services, and I trust that the improvements would enable health workers to better serve our community”, he said.
It was heartening to see such collaboration and dedication in the field of healthcare, and it is clear that the renovated clinic and equipment will make a significant difference in the lives of residents of Kigoma region.
The CDC/PEPFAR Afya Hatua project is a testament to the collaborative efforts of local and international partners working towards a common goal of improving healthcare access and outcomes.
“Today, we are delighted to witness the official handover of this refurbished facility and medical equipment. This will ensure the effective provision of person centred HIV care and treatment services, as well as the prevention of cervical cancer “, said Dr. Redempta Mbatia, Executive Director at THPS.
“I urge you to ensure that the facility and equipment are properly used and well-maintained. By doing so, we can guarantee that clients will continue to receive the best possible care and treatment, and that we are able to effectively prevent cervical cancer among women in this region, hence contributing to saving lives”, she said.
U.S. CDC and THPS hand over a refurbished Bulungwa HIV Care and Treatment Clinic to Ushetu District Council
Ushetu, Shinyanga, 15 March, 2024: Tanzania Health Promotion Support (THPS) has completed the refurbishment of the Bulungwa Health Center’s HIV care and treatment clinic located at Bulungwa Ward of Ushetu District Council, Shinyanga Region and has handed it over to Ushetu District Council.
The refurbishment exercise was executed for a total cost of TZS. 204,468,950 (USD M81,787.58) as part of the Afya Hatua Project, which is funded by the US President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) through the U.S. Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention (U.S.CDC).
The facility was enhanced to ensure more people in Ushetu District have access to quality healthcare and treatment services and this included demolition and dismantling, masonry, metals, roofing system, rainwater disposal system, doors and windows, finishes, furnishings, mechanical sanitary, water distribution piping, sanitary drainage and vent system, plumbing fixtures and electrical work.
Dr. Daniel Magesa, Clinical Services Branch Chief from U.S.CDC Tanzania and Mr. George Anatory, THPS Chief Operations Officer, who represented THPS Executive Director, officially handed over the refurbished facility to Ushetu District Council.
Ushetu District Executive Director Ms. Hadija Mohamed Kabojela received the facility on behalf of Ushetu District Commissioner during a ceremony that took place at Bulungwa Health Center grounds. Shinyanga Regional Medical Officer, Ushetu District Medical Officer, Bulungwa Health Centre staff and THPS staff witnessed the event.
Speaking at the event, Ms. Kabojela expressed her gratitude for the generous support provided by the U.S. government through THPS towards HIV epidemic control and saving lives in Ushetu District Council. She pledged to maintain the necessary cooperation with CDC and THPS to continue the fight against HIV and AIDS.
On his part, Dr. Magesa stated that the U.S. government acknowledges and congratulates the Ministry of Health, President’s Office – Regional Administration and Local Government Authority (PORALG), regional authority, local government authorities, non-governmental and civil society organizations for their commitment to improving health outcomes in Tanzania.
He emphasized that increased collaboration and partnership for HIV and AIDS prevention, care, and treatment will help strengthen the delivery of quality HIV health services.
The newly refurbished facility is expected to provide an improved environment for providing HIV care and treatment services, leading to an increase in the number of people receiving services at the center.
In his remarks, Mr. George Anatory, said THPS is committed to continue supporting the government’s efforts in ensuring that all Tanzanians have access to quality healthcare and contribute actively to the country’s socio-economic development.
Mr. Anatory, underscored the importance of proper use and maintenance of the facility to ensure the effective provision of HIV care and treatment services while promoting clients’ adherence to antiretroviral treatment services.
“I trust that the support we have provided will improve service delivery of HIV prevention, care, and treatment services, and help to save lives in Ushetu district and surrounding areas”, he said.
THPS and CDC hand over assorted equipment to improve HIV prevention, care and treatment service delivery in Tanga
Tanga, 23 February 2024: Tanzania Health Promotion Support (THPS), through the Afya Hatua Project funded by the US President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, through the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), has today handed over assorted equipment to facilitate efficiency in the provision of person centered comprehensive HIV prevention, care and treatment services in Tanga region.
The equipment includes 50 motorbikes, 56 centrifuges, 72 laboratory refrigerators, 50 desktop computers, 50 Uninterruptible Power Supply pieces (UPS) and 50 printers, all valued at TZS 799,474,820 (US$ 313,520).
The handover ceremony took place at the Tanga Regional Referral Hospital grounds and was officiated by Hon. Ummy Mwalimu (MP), the Minister of Health.
“On behalf of the government, I would like to express my sincere appreciation to the American People for the generous support towards HIV epidemic control and saving lives that we continue to receive through CDC and THPS”, said Hon. Ummy Mwalimu.
“I would like to assure CDC and THPS that the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania will continue to provide you with the necessary cooperation in implementing these lifesaving programs”, she said.
The laboratory refrigerators and centrifuges will support efficient and reliable testing by enabling blood and sputum sample processing and storage at supported facilities before transporting to the testing laboratories.
The printers, computers and UPSs will support smooth delivery and reporting of HIV prevention care and treatment services at the supported sites, all contributing to the pursuit of achieving HIV epidemic control.
The motorbikes will be distributed to care and treatment clinics with high patient volume to facilitate community-based services including transportation of samples to testing laboratories.
THPS has recognized the impact of providing motorbikes to reach clients in the community with essential HIV prevention, testing, care and treatment services, including tracing recipients of care who interrupt treatment and accessing hard-to-reach populations.
Speaking at the handover event, Dr. Redempta Mbatia, Executive Director at THPS said THPS is committed to continue complementing government’s efforts in ensuring that all Tanzanians have access to person centered, quality healthcare and contribute actively to the country’s socio-economic development.
“We trust that the support we have provided will go a long way in improving the efficiency and ensuring quality of service delivery for comprehensive HIV prevention, care and treatment services in Tanga region as we all aim to attain HIV epidemic control by 2030”, she said.
THPS and U.S. CDC hand over a renovated care and treatment facility and assorted items to support cervical cancer screening and prevention in Pwani region worth TZS660 million
Pwani, 15 February 2024: Tanzania Health Promotion Support (THPS), through the Afya Hatua Project funded by the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), has today handed over an enhanced care and treatment facility and various assorted items to support the screening and prevention of cervical cancer to more than 485,000 women in Pwani region of child bearing age who are at risk.
The handover ceremony took place at Mwendapole dispensary located within Kibaha Town Council and was officiated by Mr. Rashid Mchatta, Pwani Regional Administrative Secretary and attended by CDC Tanzania’s Associate Director for Data and Science, Dr. Ann Buff and her delegation.
“I would like to express the government’s appreciation for the generous support towards HIV epidemic control and saving lives that we continue to receive in Pwani region from the American people through CDC and THPS”, said Mchatta.
“I would like to assure CDC and THPS that the leadership of the Coast region, and the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania in general recognize and greatly appreciate your contribution to the fight against HIV and AIDS. We will continue to provide you with the necessary cooperation”, he said.
On her part, Dr Ann Buff hailed the collaboration and partnership that exists between the government and CDC which she said will contribute to the significant reduction of cancer prevalence rate in the country, which currently stands at 3.1%.
“Increased collaboration and partnership for cervical cancer care and prevention, along with support from the Government of Tanzania will reduce cancer morbidity and mortality in Tanzania”, said Dr. Ann Buff.
The items that have been handed over include five thermocoagulation and six cryotherapy machines that will be distributed to eleven dispensaries to help increase the treatment rate of identified early-stage cervical lesions within the region.
The list also included 125 modern tablets that will be used in 85 health facilities in the region to improve documentation and bi-directional referral mechanisms between health facilities and the community.
Additionally, THPS has supported the region with office furnitures that includes modern office chairs and tables, drug storage cabinets, file cabinets and benches to be used by clients visiting the health facilities.
In her remarks, Dr. Redempta Mbatia, THPS Executive Director said THPS is committed to continue complementing governments’ efforts in ensuring that all Tanzanians have access to quality healthcare and contribute actively to the country’s socio-economic development.
“We trust that the support we have provided will help to improve the efficiency and ensure quality service delivery of comprehensive HIV prevention, care and treatment services and cervical cancer screening and prevention leading to saved lives in the Pwani region”, said Dr. Mbatia.