Antiretroviral therapy programme on control of HIV transmission in Morogoro municipality, Tanzania: A challenge for development

Abstract

This paper examines the role of antiretroviral therapy (ART) programme on control of HIV transmission in order to assist and inform policy makers to design and implement effective ART programmes.The study used a crosssectional design involving ninety-three people living with HIV and AIDS (PLHIV). Descriptive statistics, Likert and index scales were utilized to gauge levels of risky sexual behaviour, awareness and attitude of PLHIV on the role of ART. F-test was used to measure the relationship at 5% level of significance. The paper reveals high level of knowledge and awareness among PLHIV on the role of ARV and positive attitude towards ARV in prolonging their life. Besides PLHIV were found sexually active, however, numerous were under high risk sexual behaviour group. The relationship between age and risk sexual behaviour was statistically significant (p = 0.006). Risk sexual behaviour was highest in 18-35 and lowest in the 50-64 years age groups, respectively. Communication campaigns are recommended to target PLHIV, encouraging them to talk openly to their partners, impart correct knowledge and emphasize on the importance of knowing one’s HIV status. The government and partners should improve access to ART services to enable many PLHIV to access the services.

Key words: Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active Antiretroviral Treatment, People Living with HIV and AIDS, Sexual Behaviour, Development