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Understanding the needs of women who use drugs and their HIV+ children

Tanzania

In 2022, Children Education Society (CHESO) in Tanzania requested Mainline to assess the needs of women who use drugs and their (HIV positive) children. Between September and November two Mainline staff members spoke with women to ensure their needs for services would be taken up in the new national HIV and AIDS strategic plan. 

Objectives

The key objective of the assignment was to assess the barriers to HIV services faced by women who use (inject) drugs and their children under 18. More knowledge around the needs of women can inform the development of the HSHSP V and Global Fund programming.

Two Mainline colleagues:
  1. documented barriers to HIV and related health services faced by women who use (inject) drugs and their children, including new/amplified barriers in the context of COVID-19.
  2. raised awareness among women who use drugs and their children.
  3. supported organisations representing PLHIV, women, youths and people who use drugs to collectively strategise on how to influence development of the HIV and AIDS strategic plan (2022-2027).
  4. ensured the Global Fund supported implementers of HIV services for women who use drugs and their children can take into account findings and recommendations from the assessment through strategic engagement, advocacy and community mobilisation.
Global Fund

This project was part of the Global Fund's Community, Rights and Gender strategic initiative. Through this initiative, Global Fund sub-recipients across the world can apply for technical assistance. More information about this initiative can be found on our website.

Final report

Read the final report of this assessment here:

Women who use Drugs in Tanzania assessment report

Contact

Are you interested to find our more about this assignment and the results? Feel free to contact Mac Busz via email: m.busz@mainline.nl. 


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