In commemoration of World AIDS Day, MSD has continued to receive and distribute various health products to combat and control the spread of HIV and syphilis.

MSD Director General Mavere Tukai has explained that among the health products that are currently in great demand and continue to be distributed by MSD to health care facilities are tests to test for HIV and the sexually transmitted disease syphilis (HIV/Syphilis Duo).

These tests are funded by the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (The Global Fund) and are also used to test pregnant mothers to detect infections with both diseases at the same time.

According to Dr. Ibadi Kaondo of MSD, these tests help pregnant women identify their health status early, and if infection is detected, it makes it easier to start treatment early to reverse the severity of the HIV virus and treat syphilis to improve the health of the mother and protect the child against HIV infection, syphilis or stillbirth.

Previously, each of these tests was independent, which took a long time to provide results. MSD currently has a sufficient supply of these tests, some of which have already begun to be distributed to health care facilities in the country.

The national celebration of World AIDS Day for the year 2022, was held at Ilulu grounds in Lindi Region, attended by various leaders and stakeholders, with the guest of honor being the President of the United Republic of Tanzania, Hon. Samia Suluhu Hassan.