The HIV epidemic in Tanzania is the result of a complex interplay between biological, socio-cultural and socio-economic factors. The strategies outlined here aim to decrease the risk of infection among the general population, with special attention to young people, both through enhancing knowledge and skills and through making relevant health services more accessible and youth friendly. The health sector at the community level will contribute towards a dialogue about sexuality, gender roles and cultural practices in order to initiate critical reflection and action to reduce local factors that increase vulnerability to HIV.

Availability of relevant health services, such as management of Sexually Transmitted Infections, HIV testing and counseling (HTC), prevention of mother to child transmission (PMTCT) and safe blood will be further expanded while safeguarding the quality and ensuring gender sensitivity. Condoms, both male and female, will be made available in all health facilities. Furthermore, additional innovative outlets and channels will be established to increase availability and accessibility of condoms to the general population. Although reducing rates of HIV infection is complex and painstaking work, however the good news is that there is ample evidence that HIV does yield to determined and concerted interventions.