Background
The Northeastern Zone of TZ has unique challenges due to its proximity to the Kenyan border, National Parks, and the Mererani Mines. Tourism and trade operations have fueled the sex industry further jeopardizing OVC and adolescent girls. Movement into Dodoma City has increased due to increasing government and commercial activities. While Dodoma’s population has multiplied, health facilities and infrastructure have not, leaving many without adequate access to health services. Northern TZ’s large nomadic population makes tracking, testing, and referring OVCs difficult. In addition, 37% of girls in TZ are married before turning 18 years old. The first survey of Violence Against Children (VAC) in Tanzania (2009) reported prevalence of sexual violence was more reported among orphaned females.
Furthermore, Caregivers have been reported to have often failed to consent to tests of OVCs or to disclose their results; long distances to health facilities; shortages of test kits, and difficulty tracking and retaining HEI mothers in treatment have been contributing factors. The disparity in HIV outcomes among children and adolescents compared to adults, has influenced the USAID Kizazi HODARI Northeastern Zone Project to address the issues. Also, the project through structured services provides specific prevention services to Adolescent Girls and Young Women (AGYW) and boys aged 10-14. The Services are such as Determined, Resilient, Empowered AIDS-free, Mentored, and Safe (DREAMS) and Coaching Boys into Men (CBIM).
Project’s Objectives Of KIZAZI HODARI
- Increase the use of OVC platforms for pediatric HIV case findings, linkage, and viral suppression.
- Increase access to HIV prevention, violence prevention, and response services for Orphans and Vulnerable Children (OVC) and Youth
- Improved socio-economic capacity of at-risk young women (AGYW) and OVC caregivers
Project Duration April 1, 2022 – March 31, 2027
Kizazi HODARI Northeastern Zone Unique Approaches
- Kizazi Hodari NEZ is a child-focused and family-centered project with the main goal of improving health, well-being, and protection of Orphans and Vulnerable Children(OVC) and youth aged 0-17 years in high HIV-burden communities along four key domains which are health, safety, schooling, and stability.
- Kizazi Hodari NEZ utilizes Faith Community Engagement platforms as an approach to promote behavior change at the community level hence facilitating the identification of OVC, prevention, and response to HIV and GBV/VAC.
- The projects also employ palliative care principles in providing psychosocial support among OVC, AGYW, ABYM, and caregivers.
Where we operate:
Currently, the project operates in 41 councils within 9 regions of Tanzania Mainland
How the project operates:
The project is directly being implemented by ELCT’s two operating wings in the regions of Arusha and Singida. Also, the project is being implemented indirectly through 7 National Implementing Partners. RAFIKI SDO in Mara, ELCT-ELVD in Mwanza, MOCSO in Mwanza, NAFGEM in Kilimanjaro, ACC in Dodoma, SHEDEPHA+ in Geita & amp; PASADIT in TangaThe project is directly being implemented by ELCT’s two operating wings in regions of Arusha and Singida. Also, the project is being implemented indirectly through 7 National Implementing Partners. RAFIKI SDO in Mara, ELCT-ELVD in Mwanza, MOCSO in Mwanza, NAFGEM in Kilimanjaro, ACC in Dodoma, SHEDEPHA+ in Geita & amp; PASADIT in Tanga.
