U.S CDC Donates Methadone Dispensing Machine to Zanzibar

Amref Health Africa Tanzania, with support from PEPFAR its U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Afya Kamilifu project, hands over a methadone dispensing machine (Methameasure machine) to Kidongo Chekundu MAT clinic hospital in Zanzibar. The donation was made to support the clinic’s efforts in providing medically assisted therapy (MAT) to people who inject drugs (PWID) and to reduce the risk of HIV transmission among this population.

Speaking during the handover, Dr. Florence Temu, Country Director at Amref Health Africa Tanzania, said that “This machine will increase the efficiency of work by accurately measuring the dose for patients and accelerating the distribution of medication. This will reduce patients waiting times and the need for additional human resources”.

The methameasure machine will be utilized to support the medically assisted therapy (MAT) clinics for people who inject drugs (PWID) as part of the project’s goal to reduce the risk of HIV transmission. The project aims to provide access to harm reduction services, including MAT and HIV testing and counselling. The machine’s accuracy in measuring the appropriate medication dose will help reduce the risk of complications and overdose for patients, ultimately contributing to the project’s overall goal of reducing HIV transmission, TB and Hepatitis among PWID. Dr Florence Temu.

“We are grateful for the support of the U.S. CDC and the opportunity to continue to support our clinic, The machine will enhance the quality of MAT services for PWID by reducing waiting times, alleviating the burden on healthcare providers and accurately measuring methadone doses. Its implementation will positively impact the MAT clinic’s ability to provide effective treatment. Prior to the machine, long wait times for methadone and increased workload for human resources were common. Overall, the machine will help narrow the gap in access to quality healthcare services for PWID and aid in preventing HIV transmission in the community.” said The Minister of Health Hon. Nassor Ahmed Mazrui

“The U.S government through PEPFAR and CDC will continue to support the Ministry of Health in Zanzibars’ effort to reduce the risk of HIV transmission to the key and vulnerable populations especially people who inject drugs .. We remain committed to supporting the health and wellbeing of communities in the revolutionary of Zanzibar”. Said Nyagonde Nyagonde: Acting HIV Prevention Branch Chief, U.S CDC Tanzania.