Testing and Counseling

The HIV/AIDS epidemic in Tanzania is characterized by a mosaic of factors. According to the Tanzania HIV/AIDS and Malaria Indicator Survey 2007-2008, HIV infections are occurring against a setting of shifting social norms and behaviors. In recognition of the role that Churches and Mosques can play in the fight against HIV/AIDS, The Balm In Gilead's faith-based consortium has adapted its US domestic program Our Church Lights the Way (an innovative approach which as proven effective for engaging faith communities) to create demand for HIV counseling and testing within faith communities in Tanzania. The consortium seeks to increase interest, acceptability and utilization of HIV testing facilities within these communities to complement HIV prevention efforts in the country and in response to the Tanzanian President's call for universal counseling and testing.

With technical support from The Balm In Gilead, The Tanzania Interfaith Partnership (TIP) successfully launched a Campaign titled Our Church/Mosque Lights the Way in Shinyanga region, which resulted in the facilitation of access to HIV counseling and testing to tens of thousands of people in urban and particularly in rural communities, some of which had never been reached with any other intervention