Dodoma, June 27, 2025 – Amref Health Africa- Tanzania, with support from U.S. Government through PEPFAR and CDC Tanzania, joined the Government of Tanzania and partners in commemorating the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, commemorated nationally at the Jakaya Kikwete Convention Centre in Dodoma.
Under the theme “Invest in Prevention and Treatment Against Drug Abuse”, the event brought together national leaders, civil society organisations, health professionals, and project beneficiaries to raise awareness and call for stronger collective action.
Amref Tanzania showcased its support to people who use drugs (PWUDs) through its Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) services implemented in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, Zanzibar, Zanzibar Drugs Control and Enforcement Authority (ZDCEA) and other partners with funding from U.S. PEPFAR through U.S. CDC- Tanzania. These services are delivered at the Kidongo Chekundu MAT clinic in Zanzibar, offering safe and supervised medication, psychosocial counseling, and harm reduction support.
The initiative aims to reduce dependency on Illicit substances and minimise HIV transmission, particularly among people who inject drugs using unsterile equipment.
Amref Tanzania also set up an exhibition booth during the event, offering public health education, programme highlights, and success stories from project beneficiaries. Several people in recovery [EA1] courageously shared their personal journeys of rebuilding their lives and reintegrating into society thanks to the MAT programme.
“I had completely lost direction in my life. My drug use pushed me to the point where I felt like my life had no meaning. But after starting MAT and receiving support from partners, I’m now working, I’ve become a better father to my children, and I’ve started a new life,” said Amki (not his real name), a programme beneficiary.
Speaking at the event, Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa, representing President Her Excellency Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan, urged all stakeholders to work collectively and scale up efforts to eliminate drug abuse and its related social and health impacts in Tanzania.
Amref Tanzania remains committed to strengthening community-based health systems and expanding access to quality care for vulnerable populations, including those affected by substance use disorders.
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