The Adventist Development and Relief Agency office in Tanzania began the HIV/AIDS education phase of its new health program on July 15, just as primary schools in Tanzania's Hanang District began classes.
The Adventist Development and Relief Agency office in Tanzania began the HIV/AIDS education phase of its new health program on July 15, just as primary schools in Tanzania’s Hanang District began classes.
ADRA Tanzania is presenting AIDS-prevention strategies through drama, music, and video. The agency is also organizing anti-AIDS youth clubs in schools and surrounding communities.
Dr. Ron Mataya, director of health for ADRA International, says the long-term effectiveness of such projects is well documented. He cites a United Nations AIDS report released July 2, which attributes the decreased spread of HIV/AIDS in Uganda and Thailand to preventive education.
A lack of funds has delayed implementation of the Hanang District’s health plans, including distribution of basic information about HIV/AIDS and how to prevent its spread. This rural district is also on a major travel route, and people passing through on their way to Burundi and Rwanda increase the spread of a variety of diseases such as HIV/AIDS.
Other phases of the ADRA health program will target residents in the Hanang District who suffer from malaria, typhoid, skin diseases, and eye and respiratory infections. ADRA Tanzania is implementing this project with funding FROM the Danish International Development Agency through the ADRA Denmark office. Currently ADRA is the only non-government organization active in the Hanang District. The multiple-phase health program will conclude in November 2004.
