Revised estimates released from UNAIDS in January 2008 using Spectrum EPP indicate a 2007 prevalence of 6.2 per cent (range from5.8 - 6.6 per cent). The revision represents changes in methodological approach rather than a decrease in prevalence. Tanzania Mainland has a generalised HIV prevalence and the primary mechanism for HIV transmission in the country is unprotected heterosexual intercourse, which constitutes about  80 per cent of all new infections.

Mother to child transmission is estimated to account for about 18 per cent of new
infections. About 1.8 per cent of young persons aged 15 to 24 who reported that they never
had sex were found to be HIV positive.

This suggests that they were infected through blood transfusion, unsafe injections or
traditional practices, including male circumcision or female genital cutting.
Tanzania HIV/Aids Indicator Survey 2003 and 2004 and the Tanzania Demographic and Health
Survey, TDHS 2004 and 2005 suggested that, the most important factor fueling the HIV
epidemic in Tanzania Mainland is higher risk in sex i.e. having multiple partners and not
using condoms. Generally, men are more likely to engage in risky sex behaviour than women.

However, other reports account trans-generational sex and multiple concurrent partners to be
the factors fueling the epidemic in Tanzania. It has been realised that about 14.2 per cent
of the population live with HIV infection in Mbeya and Iringa compared to the national
average of 4.8 per cent.

According to the regional statistics, Makete has about 16.9 per cent of its population with
HIV infection victims, following by Ludewa 16.5 per cent, Iringa Municipal 14.7 per cent,
Kilolo 11.7 and Iringa rural district is the sixth with 10.5 per cent.

Makete is among of 6 districts in south-western part of Iringa Region which has small
population compared to other districts. There is little in migration for settlement,
particularly because of the limitations in developing viable income generating activities.

Poverty has been the major cause which stimulates the fast spread of HIV/AIDS in Makete.
That, most women depends on small scale marketing of food crops, engaging in daily paid work
such as carrying timber, and making local brews commonly known as 'Ulanzi' Also, it has been
found out that, abandoned women have been intimating relations with other men, some of them
getting children from these liaisons, the threat of HIV Aids not to end.

Briefing President Jakaya Kikwete recently, the then acting Iringa Regional Commissioner, Mr
Elastom Mbwilo, said that despite other minor reasons, there were four major reasons behind
the fast and high HIV /AIDS spread in his region.

First and foremost, he said, the region is located near main roads and big plantations and
human integration is, therefore, high.

The region is geographically at the middle of other regions where residents are hard
workers.

He further said that there were a considerable number of males who have not been
circumcised, which poses a high infection risk.

Traditions have also contributed to the high infection rate as people in the region trust
each other, making condom use minimal.

This is matter of serious concern and thus there is all need for the central and local
governments to work overtime to change people's mindsets in the region, including taking
precautionary measures.

The prevalence of HIV/AIDS and its implications to the community is one of the biggest
threats to its development as singled out by the district.

It is thus gratifying to note that President Kikwete has announced a special programme to
tame the spread of HIV/AIDS in Iringa and Mbeya region, which he described it as alarming.
The infection rate in the two regions is 14.2 per cent against the national average of 4.8
per cent.

Despite efforts to fight the pandemic by providing ARVs, health services and education is
important to ward off new infections.

According to a study, many respondents said they had extra-marital affairs, pointing to the
urgent need to sensitise the masses on use of condoms.

When I heard this, I nodded in agreement as there are many 'hiding places' that encourage
promiscuity in both urban and rural areas.

In Tanzania, transmission of HIV occurs mainly through heterosexual contact beginning in the
early teen years and peaking before the age of 30.

Since 1983, when the first three AIDS cases in Tanzania were reported, the HIV epidemic has
progressed differently in various population groups.

As regards the country's response to the epidemic, there have been various national
campaigns to control the spread of HIV. While initial efforts were mainly implemented by the
Ministry of Health, overtime, there has been gradual involvement of other public sectors,
NGOs and community-based organizations.

HIV/AIDS is a critical problem which needs a critical solution. Education is the key to an
effective response to HIV/AIDS awareness.

Educated women are more likely to know how to prevent HIV infections, to delay sexual
activity and to take measures to protect themselves in town areas.

Therefore, more concentration on HIV/AIDS campaigns should be placed in rural areas where
most of women are not aware on how to protect themselves.

This will accelerates behavioral change among young men, making them more receptive to
prevention messages since behaviour change is possible.