Supporting Provider Initiated HIV Testing and Counseling in Tanzania

In the Morogoro region of Tanzania, I-TECH’s provider initiated testing and counseling (PITC) team is supporting health care providers to offer HIV testing to their clients. Through close relationships with partners, deep commitment, and expertise, the locally based team has reached out to an unprecedented number of providers.

Violet Rugangila, PITC Manager, emphasizes the importance of teamwork to the process. “I find that you can’t work alone because you need other resources—working as a team is very crucial,” she says.

Working with the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare (MOHSW), the National AIDS Control Programme (NACP), Morogoro regional hospital, and other implementing partners, the team trains providers throughout the region. Together with a larger group, they also conduct follow-up visits to support providers.

So far, the team has trained four additional PITC trainers for each district, and has helped to make sure that national training materials are taught to the correct standards. At stakeholder meetings, they have become a respected voice on PITC. Perhaps most importantly, in every health facility where the team has conducted trainings, health care providers are now implementing PITC.

Some of this success has come despite challenges. Among other concerns, Ms. Rugangila cites an inadequate supply of HIV rapid testing kits, difficulty ensuring that patients who test positive for HIV are able to enroll in appropriate treatment, a continued need for training, and a shortage of providers themselves.

Nevertheless, the group continues to see improvements. Throughout the region, a greater number of clients are being safely and effectively tested for HIV, and many additional health care providers and health tutors have been trained. In addition, the MOHSW and NACP have recognized I-TECH as a leader in the provision of PITC training.

As they look ahead, the team has set their sights even further. “If possible,” says Ms. Rugangila, “our vision is to see that all people who have a positive test for HIV will be enrolled in care and treatment and have access to [antiretroviral therapy]. We would also like to expand our program beyond the Morogoro region."

“We are very proud of the team’s progress,” she says. “Now, PITC trainings are reaching all health care providers in Morogoro.”