Observation and evaluation for efficacy and safety of traditional herbal remedies used in the management of HIV/AIDS in Tanzania

Abstract

The first cases of AIDS in Tanzania were reported in Kagera region in 1983 (1). Subsequently, other regions also started reporting cases and by 1985 all regions in Mainland Tanzania had documented HIV/AIDS as an emerging public health problem. By end of 2003, it was estimated that about 1.8 million Tanzanians were living with HIV/AIDS and about 700,000 cumulative AIDS cases had occurred (1). The epidemic in Tanzania is caused mainly by three HIV-1 subtypes, including subtypes A, C and D (2), and to a limited extent by recombinant strains (2). Generally, it is estimated that in Tanzania the major subtypes A, C and D occur at frequencies of 40%, 40% and 20%, respectively (1-2). Transmission in Tanzania is mainly heterosexual, hence the highest prevalence and incidence is among the sexually active age groups. All sectors of the society have been affected, and HIV/AIDS has had profound health and socio-economic impact in Tanzania like in other endemic areas of the world.