Voluntary Counseling and Testing to School Children

HACOCA, in collaboration with the Tanzania Commission for AIDS (TACAIDS), launched a critical health intervention in Langali Ward, Mvomero District, targeting the health and well-being of school-aged children. This project emerged in response to a growing urgency in Mvomero, where there was a marked increase in bedridden cases and HIV infections, particularly among adults. Recognizing the importance of early intervention, the project focused on assessing the HIV/AIDS status of students through Voluntary Counseling and Testing (VCT) services. By reaching 2,200 children, the initiative played a vital role in early detection and prevention of HIV among young students. It also ensured that those who tested positive received timely support and care, addressing a critical need to educate and protect the youth in a community severely impacted by the HIV epidemic.

The project achieved significant results both quantitatively and qualitatively. It successfully reached 2,200 school-aged children in Langali Ward, providing essential Voluntary Counseling and Testing (VCT) services, which led to the early detection of HIV cases among the youth. This early intervention was crucial, as it ensured that all students who tested positive were promptly linked to necessary medical care and support services. Additionally, the project played an essential role in educating the broader community, including students, teachers, and parents, on HIV prevention, contributing to heightened awareness and a proactive approach to managing the HIV epidemic in a region facing increasing cases among adults. Through these efforts, the project not only addressed the immediate health needs of the children but also laid the foundation for long-term community health improvements.