Disability and HIV/AIDS – the PEPFAR project

In 2009, CCBRT collaborated with the Tanzanian Commission for AIDS and GTZ to produce a report commissioned to help understand the extent to which HIV/AIDS infects, and affects, those living with disabilities. The research shows that people living with disabilities are not only more vulnerable to HIV/AIDS but are also often unable to access the HIV/AIDS services available. The full report can be accessed here.

CCBRT is the local partner for a CBM US project, funded by PEPFAR, which focuses on making HIV/AIDS services more accessible to people with disabilities all over the country.  Over the course of the project, the aim is give 92,500 people with disabilities across 15 districts improved access to HIV/AIDS services with a third of people being reached by the end of 2009.

Activities have commenced at CCBRT to improve access for HIV/AIDS services for people with disabilities. A key aspect of this project will be ensuring that HIV/AIDS policies, guidelines and strategies at national level and development policy level are inclusive of people with disabilities.  CCBRT will be lobbying other HIV/AIDS organisations to ensure that their services are inclusive and accessible for people with disabilities. CCBRT is adopting a collaborative approach, networking with other experienced organizations such as SHIVYAWATA, the Elizabeth Glaser Paediatric AIDS Foundation (EGPAF) and a Rwanda based project which has two years’ experience in running HIV/AIDS services for people with disabilities.