The Watoto wa Jamii project is a national child-centered initiative designed to improve access to integrated HIV and cancer care for vulnerable and orphaned children living with HIV/AIDS (CLHIV) in Tanzania, especially those at risk of or affected by cancer. Its core objectives are to (i) raise awareness and stimulate demand for childhood cancer and HIV services, (ii) provide continuous medical and psychosocial care for CLHIV, and (iii) offer a safe, nurturing environment through foster care services. The project specifically targets children aged 1–17 years, along with their caregivers and communities, addressing their health, psychosocial, educational, and livelihood needs in order to strengthen resilience and improve long-term survival outcomes

Targeting 25,000–100,000 children aged 1–17 living with HIV across Tanzania Mainland and Zanzibar, the project will directly engage children at heightened risk of cancer while indirectly reaching over 1 million caregivers and community members. Priority implementation begins in high-prevalence regions including Njombe, Iringa, Mbeya, Songwe, Ruvuma, Katavi, Mwanza, Geita, Shinyanga, and Kagera, with a phased national rollout over five years. Services will be delivered through a three-tiered model: (1) In-House Services within a state-of-the-art foster home for critically ill or displaced children; (2) Out-of-House Services providing community-based care through foster families, fit persons, and caregiver empowerment; and (3) Outreach Services driving mass education, stigma reduction, and early cancer detection

Over five years, the project will establish a flagship foster home with annual capacity for 1,000 CLHIVs, train 4,300 Fit Persons, set up 2,000 foster families, support 20,000 caregivers economically, and reintegrate 10,000 children into education. Implementation will proceed in three phases: piloting and foundational work (Year 1), expansion and integration (Years 2–3), and national consolidation and sustainability (Years 4–5). The five-year budget of TZS 18.2 billion (USD 6.85 million) is allocated across land acquisition and construction (36%), foster home operations (32%), medical and cancer services (16%), education and skill-building (11%), and public awareness (5%).

Watoto wa Jamii consortium brings together a coalition of trusted institutions, including Walio Katika Mapambano na AIDS Tanzania (WAMATA), Ocean Road Cancer Institute (ORCI), Shujaa Cancer Foundation, Infectious Disease Association (IDA), Raising Up Friendship Foundation (RUFFO), and Inside Africa Adventures (IAA) to deliver high-impact, multi-sectoral interventions that align with Tanzania’s national HIV and cancer strategies. Together, they will leverage their complementary expertise, networks, and resources to ensure timely access to medical care, psychosocial support, education, and livelihood services for children living with HIV, while strengthening community systems and advancing long-term sustainability.

‘In-House Services – Care Within the Foster Home’ Watoto wa Jamii partners have secured adequate land in Mperamumbi Village, Kwala Ward, Kibaha District, Pwani Region to establish a foster home that will provide intensive, structured care for critically ill, displaced, or traumatized children. Designed as a healing-centered environment with 24-hour supervision, the home will offer temporary residential care where children receive immediate safe shelter, comprehensive medical and psychosocial evaluations, and individualized care plans developed by pediatricians, psychologists, social workers, and educators. These holistic plans will address medical, emotional, developmental, and educational needs, while reintegration pathways will support children in returning to families, enrolling in specialized boarding schools, or remaining in long-term foster care where necessary. Serving as a transitional sanctuary, the foster home will not only promote recovery, growth, and stability but also restore trust, hope, and a sense of belonging for vulnerable children affected by illness, trauma, or abandonment.

‘Out-of-House Services – Community-Based Support’ tier is designed to ensure equitable care for Children Living with HIV (CLHIV) outside the foster home by strengthening family and community systems. Through home-based care delivered by health workers and volunteers, children receive regular medical and psychosocial support, while caregivers are empowered with training and resources to promote adherence to treatment and overall wellbeing. The model also advocates for the identification of Fit Persons—qualified, trustworthy individuals capable of providing stable care—as well as the establishment of foster families within communities to create safe, stigma-free environments. With structured follow-up and monitoring, each child is guided by a continuity-of-care plan that safeguards progress and prevents regression. This approach prioritizes family preservation, reduces reliance on institutional care, and leverages existing community networks to ensure no child is left behind due to geographic or economic barriers.

‘Outreach Services – Inclusive Community Engagement’ tier focuses on universal access and awareness to break down stigma, misinformation, and disparities that hinder children and families from seeking care. Through cancer and HIV education campaigns such as village forums, mobile health caravans, and school-based programs, communities are equipped to recognize symptoms early and adopt positive health-seeking behaviors. By mobilizing local leaders, influencers, and organizations, outreach efforts foster a supportive environment that normalizes screening and treatment services, while strong referral linkages ensure at-risk children are connected to appropriate care. Ultimately, this tier builds an ecosystem of awareness, trust, and empowerment that drives early intervention and improves survival outcomes for children affected by HIV and cancer.

Every donation, no matter the size, helps bridge the gap between health disparities and dignity.

By 2030, Watoto wa Jamii aims to reach at least 25,000 Children Living with HIV (CLHIVs) with comprehensive care and support. This requires a total budget of USD 6,856,062. On average, just USD 275 per child is enough to secure their survival, access to treatment, and a stable future.

PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) Tanzania has been contracted by WAMATA to serve as the fund management partner, ensuring accountability and transparent stewardship of resources.

For in-kind donations please reach us via:
E: info@wamata.or.tz
E: donations@wamata.or.tz
A: Wamata, P.O Box 33279 Mikocheni A, Regent Estate, Plot # 50, House #Mkc/Rge/189, Dar Es Salaam Tanzania.

Watoto wa Jamii project is now inviting strategic partnerships in areas such as research and innovation, public awareness and advocacy, capacity building, fundraising, and sustainable livelihood programming. By joining hands, partners can co-create a national model of excellence that ensures no child living with HIV in Tanzania is left behind.

At AfyaFund, your donation goes directly to supporting Children Living with HIV and cancer. To protect both donors and beneficiaries, AfyaFund accepts donations only from legitimate sources through secure, regulated payment channels.

In compliance with Tanzania’s Anti–Money Laundering laws, large or unusual donations may require identity verification, and any suspicious activity will be reported to the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) as required by law.

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