From exclusion to part of the solution: making HIV/AIDS programs inclusive of people

with disabilities in Tanzania

About the project• The Tanzania disability survey (2008) shows

that 8% of Tanzanians experience some type of disability. World Report (2010) shows 15%.

• HIV infection rate among PwDs was 9% compared to 7% for the general population.

• There are a number of HIV/AIDS projects in Tanzania, but none of them were focusing on people with disabilities as a vulnerable group.

About the project• People with disability face communication,

attitudinal and environmental barriers in accessing HIV/AIDS service and information.

• CBM and CCBRT implemented a three year HIV/AIDS and Disability Project funded by PEPFAR thru HRSA from February, 2009.

• 15 key districts in Tanzania included in the project.

There are 300,000 people with disabilitiesbetween 15-64 years of agein the 15 districts

Project objectives1. Review of government HIV/AIDS policies and

VCT/CTC guidelines2. Improve access and demand among PwDs for

HIV/AIDS information and services3. Build the capacity of health care providers to

provide HIV/AIDS services to PWDs4. Improve access to sexual and reproductive

health education for youth with disabilities.5. Share best practices

Expre

ss L

inka

ges

to R

ights

Non Discrimination &

Attention to

vulnerable group

Empowerm

entAccountability

Participation

Human Rights

Twin

Track

Approach

Comprehensive Accessibility

People with disabilities as central

Inclusive HIV/AIDS Services and information

The role of the government1. Project Planning

• Baseline study of HIV/AIDS and disability• Idea generation for project proposal

2. Project start up activities• Community entry - The gov. provided transport and

staff Cosmos experience

3. Implementation of the project• The gov took over the review of guidelines

The role of the government

• Provided curriculum, cooperated to develop training manuals, experts and certification in training of – Peer Educators, Deaf Counselors, Health care

providers, Rehab staff and teachers• Provided testing and counseling to people with

disabilities• Provided curriculum development experts for the

revision of health curriculum in special education. (Kaspar’s experience)

The role of SHIVYAWATA (DPO)• Guided the project in working with people with

disabilities including:• Identification of peer educators and deaf counselors

1. Development of disability inclusive IEC2. Identification of sign language interpreters3. Identification of sign language trainers

• Key member of the Project Steering Committee• Participated in the monitoring of the project• Sensitized member DPOs on project activities

Training

• Health care center staff• Teachers• Rehabilitation workers• Parents of children with disabilities• Peer educators• Counselors who are Deaf

Ryoba’s experience

Peer education

• 139 People with disabilities across the 15 districts trained and undertaking peer education regarding HIV/AIDS

• Rehema’s reflections

Counseling

• 45 people who are Deaf trained using government curriculum as counselors

• Neema’s reflections

Results• Government VCT/CTC guidelines reviewed and

inclusive of people with disabilities • @ 45,000 people with disabilities reached through

awareness raising • @ 8,500 individuals with disabilities accessed

counseling and testing services• 71 health centers in 15 districts are now

accessible.• Peer education across 15 Districts

THANK YOU