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`Retired but not yet tired` health...
2008-06-30 09:48:20
By Simon Kivamwo, Kisarawe
The American government is piloting a programme meant to help address the shortage of health workers in Tanzania.
It is to be known as ``retired but not yet tired`` and will be implemented under the US President`s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), a popular and pro-poor health initiative to Africa.
The US Ambassador to Tanzania, Mark Green, said in remarks here at the weekend that the programme is designed to help retired healthcare workers rejoin the workforce and help build better services for all patients.
Green, who was instrumental in developing the original legislation for PEPFAR over five years ago, was among the guests who witnessed the official inauguration of the Kisarawe District Hospital’s Care and Treatment Clinic (CTC).
The CTC was inaugurated by Health and Social Welfare minister David Mwakyusa and enjoys maximum supervision and support from the US-based Centres for Disease Control (CDC) and the International Centre for AIDS Care and Treatment Programme of Columbia University (ICAP-CU).
``The programme I just mentioned is one among many other ways PEPFAR funds is meant for,`` said the ambassador, adding: ``What many people don`t realise is that while PEPFAR is obviously aimed at one primary disease - HIV/AIDS - the services and funds it provides have helped Tanzanians and the Tanzanian health care systems in many ways.``
``The list goes on and on – top-class laboratories, training for medical professionals, construction of medical facilities to ease the burden on overcrowded facilities so that all patients can get the attention they need,`` Green pointed out. He said the new facility could well be one facility and HIV/AIDS one disease ``but it is all part of improving everyone’s health care system``.
According to the envoy, the newly built facility at the Kisarawe hospital is part of on-going US government support to Tanzania.
By the end of this fiscal year, the US will have provided over US$ 817 million towards combating HIV/AIDS in Tanzania.
Dr Gilbert Ronald, who represented Prof Mwakyusa at the ceremony, said the target of having a Tanzania free from AIDS would be realised only if all people observe the fundamentals of the ABC (abstinence, be faithful and use condom) strategy.
``The dream of Tanzania Bila UKIMWI Inawezekana (Tanzania Without AIDS is Possible) can be achieved only if we ensure the current 93 per cent of Tanzanians who are HIV-negative retain that status,`` he said, calling on the people to remain vigilant about their health and make sure they are not infected with the deadly virus.
He also appealed to those who are HIV-positive ``to consistently use the free care and treatment services currently available``.
ICAP-CU Country Director Amy Cunningham underscored the need for people to go for regular counselling and testing services at the just launched clinic, saying the facility could look attractive but would be as good as useless ``if you keep shying away from the services offered there``.
The clinic is lined up to provide free AIDS treatment services complete with antiretroviral drugs throughout during all five working days.
It will be served by well trained and skilled Tanzanian medical staff supported by ICAP experts.
It was revealed at the launch that a total of 1,212 people have been enrolled in HIV care and treatment at the hospital since the programme was launched two years ago.
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