Based on the findings from the 2003-04 Tanzania HIV and Malaria Information Survey which provided regional estimates of HIV prevalence, it became evident that HIV service delivery coverage and quality was not sufficient to meet the enormous needs. In response, the Government of Tanzania with support from the President’s Emergency Plan for HIV/AIDS Relief and the Global Fund for AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria initiated a massive effort to expand HIV services.

Consistent with this framework ICAP at Columbia University in 2004, with funding from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, committed to partnering with the Government of Tanzania to support sustainable health systems strengthening and ensure progress towards achievement of the national health development priorities for the mainland and Zanzibar.

ICAP has worked at multiple levels within the Tanzanian health system to effectively integrate sustainable HIV services at regional and district hospitals, as well as at primary health facilities, in Kagera, Kigoma, Pwani, Mtwara and Lindi regions, and in Zanzibar. In most regions ICAP supports implementation of HIV testing and counseling, comprehensive adult and pediatric HIV care and treatment, PMTCT, TB/HIV integration and laboratory services. In addition, ICAP provides services and expertise regarding work with key populations, male circumcision, cervical cancer screening and palliative care. ICAP also is deeply engaged in the design and implementation of a robust research agenda to provide evidence-based programming and planning while building in-country research capacity.

ICAP’s implementation success results from its expertise in HIV-related program management, with technical leadership from ICAP headquarters and in-country teams.