Women are more vulnerable to ill health in Africa. Low income and social status, lack of education and traditional gender roles and responsibilities are key contributing factors.
| WHO’s Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic 2006 posted 760, 000, as the number of women of age 15+ living with HIV in the United Republic of Tanzania. |
Women are biologically more vulnerable to HIV, but the key factors behind this disparity are social and economic. Financial circumstances can force women into selling themselves for sex and too many of those who are in relationships or married are not in a position to demand faithfulness or safe sex.
The Serengeti Women and HIV/AIDS project is expected to contribute towards reduction of the impact of HIV and AIDS amongst women in Serengeti district and eventually improve the health status of people in Mara region in Tanzania.
Project Objective
To reduce HIV and AIDS incidence among women aged 15-49 years old by increasing the awareness of community gatekeepers and strengthening the overall primary health care systems in seven wards of the Serengeti District Mara region
Achievements
- Increased awareness among community members on HIV/AIDS, gender and human rights and modern contraceptives created through the provision of Information Education and Communication (IEC) materials such as leaflets and mounted billboards
- Increased knowledge, skills and understanding among health professionals on various issues pertaining to HIV/AIDS, counselling, gender, human rights and modern contraceptives thus improving primary health care service delivery in the respective health facilities
- Enhanced collaboration among key stakeholders addressing HIV/AIDS within Serengeti District hence avoiding duplication of efforts in the implementation process
- Active participation of project beneficiaries and key stakeholders at all levels of the project implementation process
- There is progressive behaviour change in the community especially in regard to risky behaviour and traditional practices
- Various community based structures have been formed such as Income Generating Activities groups(IGA), Community Based Organisations (CBOs) and theatre groups which provide health education, care and support for people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA), orphans and vulnerable children, widows and other needy groups in the community as a result of training village health workers and health professionals
- High sense of project ownership and commitment by project beneficiaries, stakeholders and community members
- Increase in the number of community members testing for HIV/AIDS thus knowing their sero-status, avoiding new infections and living positively
- There is a decrease in incidences of gender based violence and stigma in regards to people living with HIV/AIDS in the community
