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Tanzania rolled-out a 12-dose, weekly regimen of isoniazid plus rifapentine (3HP) TB preventive treatment in January 2024. The 3HP completion rate is generally ≥80%, varying by delivery strategy and programmatic setting. Before the roll-out, a mixed methods study was conducted to assess whether a family approach involving family member support, SMS reminders, and three health education sessions was acceptable and optimized 3HP uptake and completion. This paper describes acceptability of the family approach among people living with HIV (PLHIV), treatment supporters (TS), and community health workers (CHWs). This was a qualitative descriptive study in 12 HIV care and treatment centers across six administrative regions. We purposively sampled 20 PLHIV, 12 CHWs for in-depth interviews, and 23 TS for three focus group discussions held between September and December 2023. The theoretical framework of acceptability guided thematic-content analysis using a framework approach. Participants understood that PLHIV have an increased risk for active TB and that 3HP provides shortened treatment for TB disease prevention. They learned about TB and 3HP through health education sessions, but participation of TS was low due to expensive transportation costs to clinics. Receiving support from a trusted person and SMS were perceived as good adherence reminders. The majority reported mild self-limiting side effects but expressed positive attitudes because of the shortened treatment, TB counseling, satisfaction from helping others, lifestyle and work alignment, and reduced work burden. Some PLHIV had difficulties identifying supportive family members, so they chose close friends or CHWs. The family approach to supporting 3HP adherence is widely accepted by PLHIVs, TS, and CHWs in the context of person-centered care that respects their preferences. We recommend its adoption in programmatic settings as a combined approach, considering changes made during the study. However, further research is warranted to assess its acceptance among other populations eligible for 3HP.

Alcohol misuse is a global concern, contributing to 5.3% of total deaths and 132.6 million disability-adjusted life years worldwide. In Sub-Saharan African countries, the prevalence of Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) has risen, especially among female sex workers, due to increased availability and advertising. However, there are limited studies on alcohol use and AUD among female sex workers in Tanzania. This study aimed to determine the prevalence, patterns, and factors associated with alcohol use and AUD among sex workers in Mbeya city, Tanzania. In this cross-sectional study, 212 female sex workers in Mbeya city, Tanzania, seeking enrolment in the National Institute for Medical Research Mbeya Medical Research Centre's registration cohort from July to November 2022. Structured interviews covered socio-demographics, alcohol screening (AUDIT-C and Timeline Follow Back Calendar), and sexual behaviours data. Data were analysed using Stata version 17. Descriptive analysis assessed alcohol consumption and AUD prevalence. Factors associated with alcohol use and AUD at bivariate analysis were identified using Chi-square/Fisher's exact tests. All variables with p-value ≤ 0.20 were entered into a multivariable logistic regression model to identify factors associated with alcohol use and AUD. Among 212 participants, 86.6% reported alcohol use in the past 12 months, 85% in the past 30 days, and 98.5% met AUD criteria. Factors linked to recent alcohol consumption included primary education or higher, income above the median, and more than 10 sexual partners. Education level, marital status, income, and having dependents were significantly associated with heavy drinking episodes. The prevalence of AUD, alcohol use, and heavy episodic drinking were high among female sex workers in Mbeya city. Socio-demographic factors and risky sexual behaviours were associated with alcohol use and heavy episodic drinking highlighting the need for targeted interventions to combat alcohol abuse among female sex workers within the HIV program.

HIV-care programmes are faced with significant challenges in getting newly diagnosed People Living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (PLHIV) linked to care despite massive investment in HIV prevention, treatment and care. This study assessed the performance of mobile HIV Testing and Counseling service (mHTC) in provision of HIV-testing and linkage to care of newly diagnosed PLHIV from Key and Vulnerable Populations (KVPs). A retrospective review of the records of 25,248 clients was extracted from the mHTC database from October-2016 to September-2018. Of 25,248 clients, 51.71% were in 25–45 years age group, 55.4% were males, 60.5% were married and 62.1% had primary level of education. The median age of clients was 31 (IQR: 23–42) years. Out of the clients tested, 800 (3.17%) were diagnosed HIV-positive. Positivity was high among females 450 (4%), age group 25–45 years 538 (4.12%), divorced 202 (7.41%) and clients with primary level of education 504 (3.21%). An association between HIV status and sex, age group, relationship status and level of education was observed (P