the impact of hiv/aids on the education sector in tanzania

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This is an <strong>impact</strong> study, which examines policy framework, leadership commitment,
political willingness and advocacy issues on HIV/AIDS, as well as <strong>the</strong> implementation <strong>of</strong>
HIV/AIDS interventions in <strong>the</strong> education sector. It is expected to contribute to a better
understanding <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> role and importance <strong>of</strong> a comprehensive and effective HIV/AIDS
education policy, <strong>of</strong> committed leadership and <strong>of</strong> firm and consistent advocacy against <strong>the</strong>
HIV/AIDS epidemic.
HIV/AIDS continues to spread despite <strong>the</strong> use <strong>of</strong> leadership advocacy among <strong>the</strong>
Tanzanian population to raise general awareness <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> severity <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> epidemic and
knowledge <strong>of</strong> how HIV transmission can be prevented, and also in spite <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> presence <strong>of</strong> a
national policy for <strong>the</strong> control and prevention <strong>of</strong> HIV/AIDS.
The study was undertaken because <strong>the</strong> HIV/AIDS epidemic has emerged as a major
threat to achieving Education for All (EFA) goals. Moreover no study carried out to date has
considered <strong>the</strong> <strong>impact</strong> <strong>of</strong> HIV/AIDS on policy, leadership and advocacy.
Research was carried out in Iringa Urban District, Ministry <strong>of</strong> Education and Culture
(MoEC) headquarters and some <strong>of</strong> its affiliated institutions in Dar es Salaam. At MoEC
headquarters data and information were collected from seven heads <strong>of</strong> departments or
directors, and mid-level MoEC <strong>of</strong>ficials from all directorates, including administrators,
technical staff and peer educators. Interviews were also conducted with low-level MoEC staff,
including messengers, cleaners and print assistants from all directorates. At <strong>the</strong> regional and
district levels interviews were held with <strong>the</strong> Regional Education Officer, District Education
Officer, District School Inspector, Acting Treasurer Iringa Urban District Council, District
Medical Offer, District Teachers Union Secretary, Ward Education Coordinator, Iringa Urban
District Council, Mayor and District Executive Director.
Data collection techniques used include structured and unstructured interviews, focus
group discussions (FGDs), checklists and a literature review.
Globally <strong>the</strong> HIV/AIDS epidemic has proved to be much more extensive than
predicted and is now reaching alarming levels. Almost every passing year sees a revision
upwards <strong>of</strong> estimates and projections. At <strong>the</strong> end <strong>of</strong> 2002, 5.0 million people were newly
infected with HIV, 42 million people were living with HIV/AIDS and 3.1 million people had
died as a result <strong>of</strong> AIDS. By <strong>the</strong> end <strong>of</strong> 2001 <strong>the</strong>re were 14 million AIDS orphans (UNAIDS
and WHO, 2002).
The first HIV/AIDS case in Tanzania was diagnosed in 1983 in Bukoba District <strong>of</strong>
Kagera Region. By 1986 <strong>the</strong> number <strong>of</strong> AIDS cases had risen from <strong>the</strong> initial three to tens <strong>of</strong>
thousands countrywide. At <strong>the</strong> end <strong>of</strong> 2001 <strong>the</strong>re were 14,449 cumulative AIDS cases. Most
cases fall within <strong>the</strong> 20-49 age group, with <strong>the</strong> highest number <strong>of</strong> reported cases in <strong>the</strong> 25-34
and 30-39 age groups for females and males respectively. However, infection rates are
declining in some regions (e.g. Kagera Region): a sign <strong>of</strong> hope that <strong>the</strong> devastating epidemic
can be brought under control.