Africa-Press – Tanzania. THE National Council of People Living with HIV (NACOPHA) has given thumbs up to the Covid-19 committee of experts formed by President Samia Suluhu Hassan for continuing to provide proper advice to control spread of the pandemic.
NACOPHA is a nationally recognised organ responsible for coordinating efforts of people living with HIV/Aids in the national response in the country.
It is the highest body and voice representing all organizations or groups and individuals living with HIV in Tanzania. President Samia on April this year formed the committee which assessed the situation and submitted its recommendations to the President.
“We congratulate President Samia Suluhu Hassan for forming this committee which has also advised the government to allow voluntary vaccination,” chairperson of the NACOPHA, Ms Leticia Kapela stated yesterday in Dar es Salaam during a press conference.
However, Ms Kapela appealed to the government to embark on awareness campaigns among special groups, including people with HIV on availability, benefits, reactions as well as quality of Covid-19 vaccine.
The council argued that awareness will enable building good understanding on the vaccine and will help those who need it to make informed decisions. The council made the plea yesterday in Dar es Salaam following a statement by Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa that the vaccine has already arrived in the country.
Ms Kapela also called on religious leaders and the media to continue with their role of providing right education to the public over Covid-19 and allay fears among people as a result of misleading reports. He cautioned people with HIV to ensure that they take all precautionary measures seriously while continuing taking HIV treatment.
“We will remain safe only if we follow directives and advices from health experts, including avoiding gatherings, wearing face masks, washing hands regularly and sanitizing our hands,” he told people with HIV.
She further told the group that they should take precautionary measures even when at their homes.
