PARLIAMENTARY COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSON COMMENDS GOVERNMENT FOR EMPOWERING PEOPLE LIVING WITH HIV ECONOMICALLY
Calls for improved market access to boost productivity
By Joseph Ngilisho | DAR ES SALAAM
The Chairperson of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Health and HIV/AIDS, who is also the Member of Parliament for Arumeru West, Hon. Johannes Lukumay, has commended the Government for its continued efforts to economically empower people living with HIV (PLHIV) through various income-generating activities aimed at improving their livelihoods.
Hon. Lukumay made the remarks on March 19, 2026, following an official visit by the committee to assess and witness the activities of the Council of People Living with HIV during the City Konga Exhibition, held at Pugu Mnadani grounds in Dar es Salaam.
He emphasized that people living with HIV deserve equal access to development opportunities, noting that they possess significant potential to actively contribute to the national economy if provided with the necessary support and enabling environment.
“People living with HIV are an integral part of our society with the capacity to work, produce, and contribute meaningfully to economic growth. It is our responsibility to ensure they are supported and given equal opportunities to succeed,” said Hon. Lukumay.
He further applauded the efforts made by PLHIV groups in engaging in productive economic activities, while urging the Government and stakeholders to facilitate reliable market access for their products in order to enhance income generation and sustainability.
On her part, the Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office responsible for Policy, Parliament, Coordination, and Persons with Disabilities, Hon. Ummy Nderiananga, reaffirmed the Government’s commitment under the leadership of President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan to continue strengthening initiatives aimed at economically empowering vulnerable groups, including PLHIV.
She noted that the Government will intensify efforts to build capacity, create linkages to economic opportunities, and ensure that PLHIV are fully integrated into the country’s inclusive development agenda.
“The Government remains committed to ensuring that no one is left behind. We will continue to enhance support systems that enable people living with HIV to achieve economic independence,” she stated.
In addition, she commended the Dar es Salaam City Director, the District Commissioner, and the Administrative Secretary for their proactive role in creating an enabling environment for PLHIV to participate effectively in economic activities.
She urged them to sustain and scale up these efforts, emphasizing that there is still ample opportunity within the current financial year to further strengthen implementation of empowerment programs.
Meanwhile, the Dar es Salaam City Director, Elihuruma Mabelya, stated that the city has prioritized strengthening Konga initiatives by providing both financial and technical support to ensure beneficiaries achieve sustainable development outcomes.
He added that investing in vulnerable groups not only helps reduce poverty but also promotes an inclusive society that recognizes and values the contribution of every citizen, regardless of their health status.
Ends..
0 Comments