On May 25, 2023, the Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office responsible for Policy, Parliament, and Coordination, Hon. Jenista Mhagama, emphasized the government’s commitment to allocating budget resources for people living with HIV (PLHIV) across all ministries and institutions in the 2023–2024 fiscal year. She made these remarks during a meeting with the leadership of the National Council of People Living with HIV (NACOPHA) held at the Prime Minister’s Office in Dodoma.

Hon. Mhagama addressed the need to review and update the National HIV Policy of 2001, highlighting the importance of involving all sectors in efforts to meet global goals of reducing deaths, infections, and stigma by 2030. She assured, “I want to assure you that we, as the government, are committed to achieving these global goals.”

NACOPHA Chairperson, Ms. Leticia Mourice, congratulated Hon. Mhagama on her appointment and thanked the government for its efforts in the fight against HIV/AIDS. She also mentioned the preparations for a national dialogue on community resilience in the national response to HIV/AIDS by 2030.

Additionally, Ms. Mourice discussed the upcoming launch of the National Strategic Plan, which aims to implement NMSF5 (the Fifth National Multi-Sectoral Strategic Framework for HIV/AIDS). She emphasized the importance of collaboration in building a strong community response to HIV/AIDS, citing key areas such as policy resilience.

Earlier, NACOPHA Executive Officer Mr. Deogratius Rutatwa expressed gratitude to the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania and commended the American people (PEPFAR/USAID) for their significant contributions to NACOPHA’s HIV response activities and those of all stakeholders involved. He stressed the need for a sustainable and resilient strategic approach.

This meeting underscores the government’s dedication to supporting PLHIV and highlights the critical role of collaborative efforts in achieving a successful HIV/AIDS response in Tanzania.