In terms of M&E, the NMSF and the Tanzania National Policy on HIV&AIDS stipulate that the responsibility for national level monitoring and evaluation rests with TACAIDS as one of its main functions;

1.INTRODUCTION

The Operational Plan for Tanzania Mainland National Multisectoral HIV Monitoring and Evaluation System Volume 1 (1 July 2006 to 30 June 2012) provides detailed guidance for implementing all-important facets of the Tanzania National Multisectoral HIV M&E System (HIV-MES). This plan is a recipe book for ensuring that a fully functional M&E system can provide high quality data for analysing and strategically steering the national response to HIV and AIDS.

IMPACT MITIGATION OF HIV AND AIDS INTERVENTIONS

Tanzania Commission for AIDS has developed a National Multisectoral Framework guiding the national response on HIV and AIDS under the four thematic areas. The Impact Mitigation thematic area has targeted to improve the quality of life of PLHIV and those affected by HIV and AIDS at all level.

By December 2006 it was estimated that there were some 2.2 million Orphans and Vulnerable Children in Tanzania, of which half (1.1 million) are estimated as most vulnerable children (MVC).

The exact impact of the AIDS epidemic in the country is unknown and difficult to establish, as studies linking HIV and AIDS with the country human capital development process are lacking. Moreover, the available reports from different sources, which estimate that without AIDS the annual number of deaths in 2015 would be 40 percent less.

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.