US Global AIDS Coordinator Visits Palliative Care Project Sites

OCTOBER 2008 – US Global AIDS Coordinator Ambassador Mark Dybul visited three community-based organizations supported by the TUNAJALI project Sept. 22–23 to observe first-hand the palliative care work being provided for those living with HIV and AIDS in Tanzania.

Dybul, accompanied by USAID/Tanzania Mission Director Pamela White, first visited the Zanzibar Association of People Living with HIV/AIDS (ZAPHA+). With TUNAJALI's support, ZAPHA+ has trained 46 community volunteers to provide basic needs support to over 650 people living with HIV and AIDS and over 350 orphans and other vulnerable children in Zanzibar. With additional training in small business planning and management, ZAPHA+ support-group members have established small businesses such as selling soap and handicrafts to the many tourists who visit Zanzibar island.

Next, in Bagamoyo District, Dybul met with representatives of the Chalinze Health Center, Uhakika Kituo cha Ushauri Nasaha (UKUN), a community-based organization, and TUNAJALI. Dybul spoke about the importance of linking communities and health facilities, and said these linkages are needed to ensure provision of a continuum of care in homes, communities, and health facilities. The partnership between the health center and UKUN is ensuring that patients receive such comprehensive care. With TUNAJALI support, UKUN's 111 trained community volunteers have provided care and support services to over 8,500 people.

Dybul, accompanied by Tracy Carson, PEPFAR's Tanzania country coordinator, then visited a community in Kibaha District that has established a community fund for orphans and other vulnerable children. The fund was established as part of an initiative of ward officials, district authorities, religious leaders, and UMAKI, a community-based organization supported by TUNAJALI. Community members made commitments to contribute Tsh 1,000 (about US $0.87) per family per month to address needs of orphaned and other vulnerable children. To date, 38 communities in Kibaha District have established funds and have so far raised about $4,200.

Finally, Dybul attended a focus-group discussion, organized by UMAKI, with children who are on antiretroviral therapy. Several children discussed their experiences living with HIV as well as voiced their hopes and dreams for the future.

Throughout his visit, Dybul commended the work of these community-based organizations and reinforced the US government's long-term commitment to the fight against HIV/AIDS.

PHOTOS: (Top) Farouk Abdellah of ZAPHA+ shows Ambassador Mark Dybul and Pamela White handicrafts made by ZAPHA+ members. (Center) Children perform a skit in Kibaha District. (Bottom) The ZAPHA+ program has trained volunteers to provide support to more than 350 orphans and vulnerable children. (FHI/Tanzania)

About TUNAJALI

The TUNAJALI (we care) Community Care for People Living With HIV/AIDS and Orphans and Vulnerable Children Project is implemented by a consortium of four core partners, including Family Health International, which is the lead technical partner for palliative care and care for orphans and other vulnerable children. As of June 2008, TUNAJALI has supported the provision of home-based palliative care to 51,000 people living with HIV and AIDS and support services to over 73,000 orphans and other vulnerable children. TUNAJALI is funded by PEPFAR through USAID/Tanzania.