As the world marked World AIDS Day, Tanzanians woke up to reports that at least six women out of 100, equivalent to 6.2 per cent, are living with HIV, while only four men out of 100 (3.8 per cent) are living with the virus.
These figures, though they might look trivial, are not something to celebrate. The trend is worrying, taking into account the huge amount of money that the government has been spending to arrest the spread of this deadly disease.
One might ask oneself as to why these figures have been released while marking World AIDS Day? Why should they (the figures) not be released before marking the day? And why should we wait until World AIDS Day, which is December 1?
Yes, one can argue that the figures were released on the right day - World AIDS Day - which is held each year to give people worldwide an opportunity to unite in the fight against HIV, show their support for people living with HIV and to commemorate people who have died.
We are told that globally there are an estimated 34 million people who have the virus. Despite the virus only being identified in 1984, more than 35 million people have died of AIDS, making it one of the most destructive pandemics in history.
Today, scientific advances have been made in HIV treatment, there are laws to protect people living with HIV and we understand so much more about the condition.
Indeed, World AIDS Day is important because it reminds the public and government that HIV has not gone away – there is still a vital need to raise money, increase awareness, fight prejudice and improve education.
As we marked the day, the minister responsible for health, Ummy Mwalimu, called for the need to step up efforts geared at curbing HIV/AIDS in the country.
Calls and appeals to check the spread of the disease is not the lasting solution to this problem. It is high time the government showed political will in fighting the disease.
During the administration of retired President Ali Hassan Mwinyi political leaders were ordered to address the disease even in one sentence when addressing political rallies.
To some extent this order helped to raise awareness on the disease and people started to behave, and the spread of the disease was somewhat controlled.
It is our belief that if there is political will in fighting the disease, we could at least minimize its impact on our social and economic fabric. If the political will demonstrated in fighting other social vices such as poaching and corruption has started paying dividends, why not demonstrate the same on fighting HIV/AIDS?
According to the Ministry of Health, Tanzania Mainland has 5.3 per cent of HIV infections on average and at least 5 people out of 100 are living with HIV in Tanzania.
The minister said the youth aged 15-24 were at high risk of catching the virus, revealing that at least 11 youths out of 100 are living with HIV.
As we grapple with these worrying figures, we, in collaboration with our development partners, should sit down and identify gaps that have pushed us to where we are.
We should not relax until Tanzania becomes an AIDS free zone. Let us eliminate AIDS in Tanzania. Let us make this disease a history. To quote our immediate retired President Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete: “Tanzania without AIDS is possible”.
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