Amref Health Africa Tanzania, with support from the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) through the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), has handed over 398 Biometric Fingerprint devices to Mara, Simiyu and Tanga regions in Tanzania. The devices procured under guidelines from the Ministry of Health and the National AIDS Control Program (NACP) amount to USD USD 38,000 and will be used in HIV/AIDS Care and Treatment Clinics to improve patient identification and data management.
To ensure effective utilization of the devices, the project has also equipped 362 healthcare providers in the Mara region with the skills and knowledge required to harness the full potential of these innovative equipment and establish robust data management practices.
Speaking at the handover ceremony in Tarime Council Hospital in Mara region, Dr Florence Temu, Country Director for Amref Health Africa Tanzania said: “The biometric devices will greatly enhance efficiency in our HIV/AIDS Care and Treatment Clinics, ensuring accurate patient identification and streamlined data management by accurately identifying patients, tracking their treatment progress, and ensuring the continuity of care.”
Mr Dominicus Lusasi, Acting Administrative Secretary of Mara Region, expressed his appreciation to the Government of Tanzania, PEPFAR through U.S. CDC Tanzania, and Amref Health Africa Tanzania for their efforts in improving the health sector through various health projects in the country. He also urged healthcare workers and users of the equipment to handle them responsibly and take legal action against anyone causing damage or negligence.
Ms Jessica Greene, Coordinator of PEPFAR Tanzania said: “The comprehensive integrated services provided by Amref Tanzania in centers and communities, supported by CDC and PEPFAR funding align with international goals in the fight against HIV/AIDS, such as the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets.”
Dr Mahesh Swaminathan, U.S. CDC Country Director, emphasized the benefits of using Biometric fingerprint devices in addressing challenges related to lost follow-ups of clients. He stated that healthcare workers have received training on proper device usage, enabling accurate patient identification and access to medical records, thereby ensuring smooth and reliable healthcare services.
The handover ceremony was attended by representatives from PEPFAR, U.S. CDC, and Amref Health Africa Tanzania, as well as local government officials, healthcare providers, and beneficiaries. The collaboration between Amref Health Africa Tanzania, PEPFAR, and U.S. CDC underscores their shared mission and commitment to strengthening healthcare infrastructure and improving patient outcomes to combat HIV/AIDS .
Written by- Julieth Mongi, Amref Health Health Africa in Tanzania