Zanzibar, After more than a decade of transformative partnership, Amref Health Africa- Tanzania, with funding from the United States President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR)/ U.S. Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Tanzania, has officially handed over Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) services to the Ministry of Health, Zanzibar, marking a milestone that underscores sustainability, government ownership, and enduring collaboration.
The handover brought together representatives from the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar, the U.S. CDC, and Amref Tanzania, marking the transition of a programme that has restored hope and health to more than 1,831 clients and their families.
A Decade of Life-Saving Impact
Over the past decade, Amref Tanzania has implemented comprehensive MAT services aimed at reducing HIV transmission and improving the health of people who use drugs.
According to the Ministry of Health, while Zanzibar’s overall HIV prevalence remains below one per cent, HIV prevalence among people who inject drugs stands at 9.3 per cent, highlighting the urgent need for targeted interventions.
Through this partnership:
- 1,831 clients (1,745 men and 86 women) received MAT services as of December 2025.
- Services included HIV testing and treatment, tuberculosis screening and care, hepatitis services, and counselling and health education.
- 21 healthcare workers and peer educators received specialised training.
- Three project-supported staff will be absorbed into the Government health system to ensure continuity of care.
To support a smooth transition, steps have been taken to strengthen system readiness. The Government of Zanzibar is progressively taking financial responsibility for key programme components, including essential supplies and staff costs, guided by formal planning and budget requests to the Ministry of Health. Meanwhile, interim procurement support and contingency measures have ensured uninterrupted availability of critical commodities, with a clear roadmap to secure supply continuity under government systems.
In parallel, efforts to enhance efficiency and sustainability include optimising staffing structures and aligning operational costs with public-sector frameworks to ensure services remain effective and financially viable in the long term.
Government Commitment to Sustained Services
Speaking during the handover, Ministry of Health Zanzibar Permanent Secretary, Dr Mngereza Mzee Miraji, reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to strengthening health services, including MAT, in collaboration with development partners.
“Although Zanzibar’s general HIV prevalence is below one per cent, the burden among people who inject drugs remains significant. MAT services have been an essential harm-reduction tool preventing new HIV infections, improving health outcomes, and restoring dignity to our citizens.
Dr Mngereza expressed gratitude to the U.S. CDC and Amref Tanzania for their significant contribution to strengthening health systems and reaching populations at greatest risk.
Building Systems That Last
As part of the transition plan, MAT services have been integrated into the Ministry’s routine service delivery structure. Trained health workers have been retained, data systems have been aligned with national reporting platforms, and staff positions have been transitioned to the government payroll. For Amref Tanzania, the handover is not an end but the fulfilment of a sustainability vision that integrates services into national systems to ensure long-term continuity.
Dr Florence Temu, Country Director of Amref Tanzania, emphasised the importance of local ownership and system strengthening:
“This transition reflects what sustainable development looks like: building strong systems, equipping health workers, and empowering government leadership to carry forward essential services. Over the last ten years, together with the U.S. CDC in Tanzania and the Ministry of Health, we have not only delivered services but also strengthened the foundation upon which these services will continue to thrive.”
She added that the programme’s holistic approach combining HIV care, TB services, hepatitis management, and psychosocial support has been key to improving clients’ overall wellbeing.
U.S. CDC: Partnership Beyond Funding
Representing the U.S. CDC, Jonathan Grund, Deputy Associate Director of Programs, reaffirmed continued technical partnership despite the end of direct funding for MAT services.
“While this marks the end of direct funding for MAT services, it does not mark the end of our partnership. We remain available for technical dialogue and collaboration as the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar assumes full stewardship of the programme.”
He stressed that success would be measured not by policy transitions, but by sustained health outcomes:
“The success of this transition will be measured not only by policy changes, but by the continued health of the clients served. We are confident that the strong systems, trained workforce, quality infrastructure, and data platforms developed over the years position Zanzibar to sustainably continue and further strengthen this programme.”
On behalf of the U.S. Government, he thanked the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar for its leadership, noting that sustainable impact is achieved when programmes are fully integrated into national structures.
A Legacy of Hope
As the handover concluded, leaders reflected on lives restored and families rebuilt through MAT services. Beyond statistics, the programme represents renewed hope for individuals once marginalised and vulnerable.
The handover signals a new chapter, one defined by national stewardship, sustained technical collaboration, and a shared vision of healthier communities across Zanzibar.
For Amref Tanzania and its partners, the message is clear: sustainable health impact is not about projects ending but about systems enduring.
Download/Read more: How Amref Tanzania, with support from U.S. CDC Tanzania and close collaboration with the Ministry of Health Zanzibar, strengthened and expanded MAT services to improve health outcomes and ensure sustainable government-led continuity of care.