Tanzania was the first country to launch its OneLove regional campaign, a campaign which aims to reduce the rate of HIV infections in Southern Africa by encouraging men and women to have one sexual partner.
OneLove focuses on the following core message: “Having multiple concurrent relationships puts you and your loved ones at risk of getting infected with HIV.”
The campaign was launched by Femina HIP on the 9 October at the Mnazi Mmoja Grounds in Dar es Salaam.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Fatma Mrisho, Chairperson of Tanzania Commission for AIDS (TACAIDS) in the Prime Minister’s Office explained that the campaign was part of the nine-country campaign taking place in the Southern African Development Community (SADC).
Countries that are taking part in the campaign are Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Swaziland, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
South Africa launched its campaign on the 14 January, Lesotho launched on the 15 January and Swaziland will launch on the 14 February.
Faithfulness within marriage
The issue of having one sexual partner is very sensitive in Tanzania. Islamic leaders are questioning the key messages of the campaign. According to Islam, a man can marry up to four wives.
Dr. Mrisho stressed in her speech that TACAIDS does not oppose religious practices such as polygamous marriage, but rather encourages “faithfulness within marriage.” This means that, in a polygamous marriage, the husband would only have sex with his wives, and the wives only have sex with him.
Mrisho also explained that HIV infection statistics speak for themselves, showing evidence that couples are being infected with HIV despite their long-term marital status and that married women were most vulnerable to HIV infection.
Men are key
In his speech, Swedish Ambassador Staffan Herrstrom spoke about equality in sexual health matters and how men can play important roles and have responsibility in promoting sexual health.
He also emphasised the importance of education in breaking the silence around sexuality and partner communication.
Lebo Ramafoko from Soul City in South Africa, Femina HIP Board Chairman Chris Kiondo and the UNAIDS Tanzania Director Luc Barriere also attended the event as special guests.
Remember to regularly check the Tanzania pages of this portal for new information about the country’s national campaign.
