LIFE Project

To virtually eliminate pediatric HIV infection in the project’s focus regions, Pathfinder is building the skills of community organizations, like our longtime partner, the Tanzanian Red Cross Society.

Pathfinder joins The Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation and the Tanzania Red Cross Society to implement the LIFE Project (Linking Initiatives for the Elimination of Pediatric HIV), working to eliminate pediatric HIV infections by strengthening linkages between the community and health facility.

This unique partnership creates synergies and works in close collaboration with the district councils to address key gaps in quality and the integration of HIV and Sexual, Reproductive, Maternal and Child Health (SRMCH) services. The program also increases access to integrated, quality, and comprehensive prevention of mother-to-child transmission, reproductive health, and community-based HIV/AIDS services; strengthens linkages and referral networks across service delivery points and facility and community-based services; and ensures sustainability through a strengthened health system and through the transfer of capacity, management, and oversight of activities to the local government and other local institutions.

LIFE Project is currently in its fourth year of implementation and reaches clients in 33 project districts. The project has enrolled 51,521 HIV clients to date providing them with care and support. These clients are found in Mwanza, Tabora, Pwani, Zanzibar and, most recently, Geita. The project also has trained 1,859 Community Home Based Care Providers who received updates and new knowledge on prevention, care, and support services for people living with HIV and prevention of mother-to-child transmission clients. The trained providers play a significant role in improving the health and well-being of people living with HIV and keep them involved with all aspects of care, treatment, and prevention. Providers also support client referrals to Health Facilities and ensure that clients return to care. As a result, the program retains 99% of clients who are enrolled.