About Us

A Few Words

About Us

“Walio Katika Mapambano na AIDS Tanzania” (WAMATA) is a registered non-governmental organization operating within the United Republic of Tanzania under the provisions of the Non-Governmental Organizations Act of 2002. Founded in 1989, WAMATA officially obtained its status as a Civil Society Organization (CSO) on March 21, 1990, with Registration Certificate No. SO 7264 issued by the Registrar of Societies at the Ministry of Home Affairs. Subsequently, WAMATA underwent registration as a non-governmental organization under the same Act in 2002, receiving Certificate of Compliance No. 0841 on June 25, 2009.

~~

WAMATA has been at the forefront of combating HIV/AIDS in Tanzania through various impactful initiatives and programs. Since its inception in 1989, WAMATA has been dedicated to raising awareness, providing support, and implementing interventions to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS and improve the quality of life for those affected by the virus. Here are some narratives highlighting WAMATA’s contributions:

WAMATA has spearheaded numerous awareness campaigns across Tanzania, targeting both urban and rural communities. These campaigns utilize various mediums such as workshops, seminars, community meetings, and media outreach to educate individuals about HIV/AIDS transmission, prevention methods, and destigmatization of those living with the virus.

WAMATA has implemented prevention programs focused on promoting safe sex practices, advocating for the use of condoms, and encouraging regular testing for HIV. These programs often target high-risk groups such as adolescents, sex workers, and intravenous drug users to address specific vulnerabilities and reduce the transmission rate of HIV.

Recognizing the importance of providing support to individuals living with HIV/AIDS, WAMATA offers a range of services including counseling, access to healthcare, psychosocial support, and referrals to treatment centers. These services aim to empower individuals to manage their health effectively and lead fulfilling lives despite their HIV status.

One of the pioneering initiatives of WAMATA since the early 1990s has been the provision of Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) to People Living with HIV (PLHIV). Recognizing the urgent need to address the HIV/AIDS epidemic and mitigate its impact on affected individuals, WAMATA took proactive steps to ensure access to life-saving treatment.

 

In the early 1990s, when access to ART was limited and the stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS was pervasive, WAMATA emerged as a beacon of hope for PLHIV in Tanzania. Despite numerous challenges, including limited resources and infrastructure, WAMATA collaborated with healthcare providers, government agencies, and international partners to establish treatment programs and facilitate the distribution of ARV medications.

 

Through its pioneering efforts, WAMATA played a crucial role in increasing awareness about the effectiveness of ART in prolonging the lives of PLHIV and reducing the transmission of HIV. By providing access to ARV medications, WAMATA not only improved the quality of life for PLHIV but also contributed to the broader goals of HIV/AIDS prevention and control in Tanzania.

 

WAMATA’s early work in providing ARV treatment laid the foundation for subsequent advancements in HIV/AIDS care and treatment in the country. Today, thanks in part to the efforts of organizations like WAMATA, Tanzania has made significant progress in expanding access to ART and reducing the burden of HIV/AIDS on affected individuals and communities.

WAMATA is committed to building the capacity of local healthcare workers, community leaders, and volunteers to effectively respond to the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Through training programs and workshops, WAMATA equips stakeholders with the necessary knowledge and skills to deliver comprehensive care and support services to their communities.

WAMATA actively engages in advocacy efforts to influence policies and legislation related to HIV/AIDS in Tanzania. By advocating for increased funding, improved access to healthcare services, and the protection of the rights of people living with HIV/AIDS, WAMATA strives to create an enabling environment for effective HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment, and support.

  • WAMATA recognizes the importance of education in breaking the cycle of poverty and empowering orphaned children affected by HIV/AIDS. To support their educational journey, WAMATA provides scholastic materials such as textbooks, school uniforms, stationery, and other necessary supplies.
  • Additionally, WAMATA may offer financial assistance to cover school fees and related expenses, ensuring that orphaned children have access to quality primary education without facing financial barriers.
  • By alleviating the financial burden associated with schooling, WAMATA enables orphaned children to focus on their studies, improve their academic performance, and pursue their dreams for a brighter future.
  • WAMATA understands the importance of equipping youth with relevant skills and opportunities for economic empowerment. To this end, WAMATA provides vocational training scholarships to youth affected by HIV/AIDS, enabling them to acquire valuable skills in various trades or professions.
  • These vocational training programs are designed to meet the needs of the local job market and equip youth with practical skills that enhance their employability and income-generating potential.
  • Upon successful completion of their vocational training programs, WAMATA further supports youth by providing startup kits or tools necessary to launch their own businesses or pursue employment opportunities in their respective fields.
  • These startup kits may include equipment, materials, or resources tailored to the specific trade or skill acquired during the vocational training, empowering youth to become self-reliant and contribute positively to their communities.

WAMATA recognize the intersecting challenges faced by this vulnerable demographic and understands the importance of economic empowerment in reduce the economic vulnerability, enhancing the resilience and dignity of PLHIVs, the Caregivers and poor orphaned young adults living with HIV/AIDS. For decades WAMATA has implemented a transformative empowerment program tailored to uplift and empower vulnerable population, women and youths in particular, by providing them with the necessary resources, skills, and support networks to improve their livelihoods and well-being.

As a pro-poor organization for the past 30+ years, WAMATA has been facilitating formation of saving and lending groups (amongst the vulnerable beneficiary population) which are self-driven entities, designed to attain 100% ownership of its own members. These groups not only teach financial literacy so they can save, invest, and grow their money but also became platforms for teaching life skills, leaderships, health tips for PLHIVs, gender-sensitive issues, stigma mitigations, e.t.c to increase the capacity of households to protect, care for and meet the basic needs of PLHIVs/OVCs by improving their caretaking and livelihood skills while promoting health-seeking behaviors.

Through its holistic approach to addressing the HIV/AIDS epidemic, WAMATA continues to make a significant impact in Tanzania, contributing to the country’s efforts to achieve the 2030 targets and ultimately eliminate HIV/AIDS as a public health threat.

We have offices in Arusha, Dar es Salaam, Ruvuma, Kagera and Mwanza including the strategic partnership offices in Mbeya, Iringa, Njombe, Pwani and Kilimanjaro.

About

Our Hopes

bcAsset 1tab

Vision

A Civil Society that is able to prevent, control and mitigate the effects of HIV/AIDS.

Mission

To engage communities in capacity development, research and innovations that creates HIV/AIDS solutions for a sustained health and economic growth in Tanzania.

Customer Segment

WAMATA’s Customer Segment:

Special Groups of Beneficiaries:
Our Shared Values

That Connects to our Customers

let's Stand Together

Support Our Activities By a Donation

Our Niche

WAMATA

Operational Team

Mr. Frederick Rutahindurwa

Chief Executive Officer

More details...

Mr. Deogratius Massawe

Chief Finance Officer

More details....

Mr. Deus Rutazaa

Director of Planning & Investment

More Details...

Mr. Othman Njaidi

Director of Publicity and Media

More Details...

WAMATA

Director of Fundraising

More details....

WAMATA

Director of Programs

More Details...

Mr. Deus Rutazaa

Director of Planning & Investment

More Details...

Mr. Othman Njaidi

Director of Publicity and Media

More Details...