Former BMAF Advocacy and Public Relations Officer, Mr Jack Meena, conducted an interview with the Foundation's Settler, H.E Benjamin William Mkapa (Former President) and below was part of the Q&A.
Question: Specifically, we would be pleased to receive your opinion on the National Voluntary, Counseling and Testing campaign which was initiated in 2007 by the Government of Tanzania.
Answer: First and foremost I commend the efforts made by the Government of United Republic of Tanzania under the leadership of H.E. President Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete for his decision to initiate the National Voluntary, Counselling and Testing campaign in July 2007. I understand that until April 2008, more than 4 million people were tested which is equivalent to 101 percent of the intended target. This is a major step for Tanzanians as it reflects how the people are gradually willing to know their health status to enable them to take further precautionary measures to protect themselves and their loved ones from being infected or further spreading the HIV virus for those found infected with it. The testing campaign is a good entry point to a continuum of HIV & AIDS care since, it will make effective use of the care and treatment services for People Living with HIV/AIDS, a programme which was succesfully initiated in 2004 by the Government of Tanzania.
Question: What is your call to the Wananchi and other stakeholders such as Development partners, Faith Based organisations, Community Based Organisations and Politicians e.t.c on this national campaign?
Answer: I call upon Tanzanians to come forward and check their health status particularly HIV status. By doing so, they will be able to plan their lives better - this is for both those who are infected and not infected with the HIV virus. Health professionals have assured us that the earlier we establish our HIV status, the better since one is assured of proper care, treatment and use of Anti retroviral therapy when need arises, whereby such services are available in our settings. Furthermore, by being responsible, we would be able to save lives of millions of innocent people and unborn children.
Therefore, I urge fellow citizens to go in masses at the health facilities for VCT services. I also call upon all Development Partners and like minded individuals and institutions including Civil Society Organisations and Private sector to increase their efforts in the fight against the pandemic through provision of financial and technical assistance.
Question: Specifically, we would be pleased to receive your opinion on the National Voluntary, Counseling and Testing campaign which was initiated in 2007 by the Government of Tanzania.
Answer: First and foremost I commend the efforts made by the Government of United Republic of Tanzania under the leadership of H.E. President Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete for his decision to initiate the National Voluntary, Counselling and Testing campaign in July 2007. I understand that until April 2008, more than 4 million people were tested which is equivalent to 101 percent of the intended target. This is a major step for Tanzanians as it reflects how the people are gradually willing to know their health status to enable them to take further precautionary measures to protect themselves and their loved ones from being infected or further spreading the HIV virus for those found infected with it. The testing campaign is a good entry point to a continuum of HIV & AIDS care since, it will make effective use of the care and treatment services for People Living with HIV/AIDS, a programme which was succesfully initiated in 2004 by the Government of Tanzania.
Question: What is your call to the Wananchi and other stakeholders such as Development partners, Faith Based organisations, Community Based Organisations and Politicians e.t.c on this national campaign?
Answer: I call upon Tanzanians to come forward and check their health status particularly HIV status. By doing so, they will be able to plan their lives better - this is for both those who are infected and not infected with the HIV virus. Health professionals have assured us that the earlier we establish our HIV status, the better since one is assured of proper care, treatment and use of Anti retroviral therapy when need arises, whereby such services are available in our settings. Furthermore, by being responsible, we would be able to save lives of millions of innocent people and unborn children.
Therefore, I urge fellow citizens to go in masses at the health facilities for VCT services. I also call upon all Development Partners and like minded individuals and institutions including Civil Society Organisations and Private sector to increase their efforts in the fight against the pandemic through provision of financial and technical assistance.
For Politicians, they stand a better chance to take the lead in fighting against the pandemic in their constituencies by being positive towards the fight against HIV/AIDS. Their practises and behaviour within the communities usually have much influence on the people they represent. Every person in his/her capacity has a role in the fight, so we need to take deliberate steps to STOP AIDS! It starts with you and me.
Handing over of certificates to Mkapa Fellows who have completed their three years contracts (Mr. Horace Mbugani - Mkapa Fellow Newala)
Q & A