The Tanzanian government is taking leadership in developing guidance on how to integrate Positive Health, Dignity and Prevention in existing HIV services. As more people living with HIV access HIV treatment and lead longer lives, it is important to consider how HIV programmes and policies can support them in all aspects of their lives. Through a series of consultations, the Tanzanian government is articulating how people living with HIV can be supported to manage their health and wellbeing and care for their partners, families and communities.

The guidance document will enable the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to highlight a comprehensive package of services to achieve Positive Health, Dignity and Prevention within clinical settings and to support a strategy for community care for people living with HIV.

The National Council of People Living with HIV and AIDS in Tanzania (NACOPHA) has been advocating for a shift in thinking on HIV prevention for people living with HIV – from a narrow approach focused on HIV transmission to a more holistic concept, which recognizes the health and dignity of people living with HIV. As such, they welcome the focus on the four different levels of interventions described in the guidance: supporting individuals, health service delivery, community mobilisation and advocacy and policy change.