HJFMRI Tanzania

Mentor Mothers, like Sarah Mwakajinga, play a vital role in the Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission (PMTCT) interventions implemented by the HJFMRI Tanzania Program in the Southern Highlands of Tanzania. As part of the program, these Mentor Mothers are placed in supported health facilities to ensure that mothers living with HIV are identified, promptly linked to care and treatment, and consistently followed up at the community level throughout pregnancy and the breastfeeding period. “These Mentor Mothers provide essential peer-based psychological support, adherence counseling, disclosure guidance, and assistance in transitioning mothers from Maternal and Child Health (MCH) services to general ART clinics once they complete their stay at RCH, in line with national guidelines,” says Dr. George Matasha, HJFMRI District Program Lead for Mbozi DC. With funding from #PEPFAR through the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research and technical implementation by HJFMRI Tanzania, Songwe Region tested 37,819 pregnant women for HIV in the last fiscal year. Among them, 422 were newly identified as living with HIV, and all were successfully linked to care and treatment, while 1,395 pregnant women already known to be living with HIV continued receiving care. As a result of these comprehensive services, 1,799 children were protected from HIV infection, representing a remarkable 99% success rate. Salome Mwazembe testified to the program’s impact after being linked with Mentor Mother Sarah Mwakajinga. “I look at my children and I see victory,” she said with a smile. “Because of the care I received, they are free of HIV. I am so thankful to the nurses and everyone who supports this clinic. You saved my family.” Read the full story here: https://lnkd.in/eRAfb-wb Walter Reed Army Institute of Research HJF Medical Research International Ntuli Kapologwe ECSA Health Community World Health OrganizationUNICEF

Solutions to public health challenges don't always require the most cutting-edge technologies; sometimes, agility and community connection are the keys to advancement. In Tanzania's remote Rukwa region, poor roads and limited transport options made it difficult for clinics to get timely lab results for their clients. Now, through our #PEPFAR-supported program funded through Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, bodaboda (motorcycle) drivers transport blood samples from distant health facilities to central labs. This "spoke-to-hub" model has helped: ✅ Cut lab result turnaround times from 30+ days to just two weeks ✅ Move up to 135 samples daily ✅ Deliver medicines and supplies to rural health facilities In Rukwa Region, 🏍️ drivers like Simon Kazule "are frontline health workers," said Dr. Fatma Urassa, Medical Officer In-Charge at Muze Health Centre, Sumbawanga District Council. Read more: https://lnkd.in/dHVfuTHi hashtag #GlobalHealth #HJFMRI #PEPFAR #PublicHealthInnovation

🌾 Happy "Nane Nane" Day – Growing Healthier, Happier Communities.