Walio Katika Mapambano na AIDS Tanzania (WAMATA), Ocean Road Cancer Institute (ORCI), Babuu Cancer Foundation (BCF), Tanzania Commission for AIDS (TACAIDS), Clouds Media Group (CMG), and PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) have come together to implement Saratani Kitaa—a community-based cancer screening, care, treatment, and livelihood support program for people living with HIV (PLHIV) in Tanzania. Addressing the elevated cancer risk among PLHIV is critically important, as HIV and cancer are closely linked. PLHIV have a weakened immune system, making them more vulnerable to both AIDS-defining cancers (ADC) and non-AIDS-defining cancers (NADC).

In Tanzania, cancer is the leading non-communicable disease, with 42,060 new cases annually, and tragically, 80% are diagnosed in advanced stages. Between 2021 and 2022, ORCI reported 1,209 PLHIV diagnosed with cancer, 93% of whom were in advanced stages (ORCI, 2023). Despite significant progress in HIV treatment, transforming HIV into a manageable chronic condition, cancer screening, treatment, and care for PLHIV—especially those from low-income backgrounds—remain inadequate. This creates a higher likelihood that some PLHIV are unaware of their cancer status, while those diagnosed often face overwhelming psychological, social, economic, and clinical challenges.

Aligned with Tanzania’s national goal to eliminate the HIV/AIDS threat by 2030 and in keeping with the 2024 World Cancer Day theme, Close the Care Gap, Saratani Kitaa was launched to reduce inequities in cancer care and expand access to high-quality health services across the country. This collaborative program focuses on two core objectives:

1. Expand timely, community-based access to cancer screening and care for PLHIV.
2. Enhance the quality of life for PLHIV battling cancer.

To fulfill these objectives from 2024 to 2029, the program requires a budget of USD 5.2 million, with 87% allocated to core activities. These include raising awareness about cancer screening, providing specialized training for Community Health Workers (CHWs) to serve as patient navigators, conducting nationwide door-to-door cancer screenings, strengthening cancer healthcare systems, offering specialized health insurance packages for PLHIV diagnosed with cancer, and supporting alternative livelihoods to improve financial stability for affected individuals.

To support these efforts, AfyaFund was launched as an innovative crowdfunding platform aimed at mobilizing sustainable financing for universal health coverage (UHC) for PLHIV battling cancer in Tanzania. The platform’s primary goal is to secure 70% of the necessary financing for UHC for PLHIV with cancer, ensuring that individuals can access comprehensive medical services without the burden of financial hardship. AfyaFund empowers individuals, organizations, and businesses to contribute directly to the healthcare of PLHIV with cancer, democratizing the funding process so that even small donations can collectively create a substantial impact. The platform integrates seamlessly with banking and mobile money services, providing a secure and user-friendly experience for all donors. To further boost participation, AfyaFund offers donor recognition and organizes community-driven fundraising events that foster a shared commitment to improving health equity. This collective approach strengthens public engagement while channeling critical resources to those most in need, advancing Tanzania’s journey toward achieving universal health coverage for PLHIV facing cancer.

All funds raised will be managed by PwC, our trusted fund management partner, responsible for ensuring transparent distribution, oversight, and impact reporting. This collaborative model will drive tangible progress toward achieving equitable healthcare for Tanzania’s most vulnerable populations.