Anti - Stigma Campaign

Stigma a major stumbling block in combating HIV/AIDS, say Salma Kikwete, Sue Green

“AS a mother, I believe all children regardless of their HIV status and those of their families are our children and deserve to be loved and cared for,” counsels the wife of the United States Ambassador to Tanzania, Mrs Susan Green.

She adds: “We should remember that stigma is a major stumbling block in combating HIV/AIDS or supporting and caring for those affected and infected.”

And the First Lady, Mama Salma Kikwete, says: “Orphans and vulnerable children should not be stigmatized but they should instead be equally loved like any other children.”

Mrs Green and Mama Salma Kikwete, are champions against stigma. They are challenging stigma and advocating for children to be respected, to be loved and cared for. (full story)

Anti-Stigma Champions on the Day of the African Child

“We know that in Tanzania, it is to our shame that people living with HIV /AIDS experience stigma and discrimination. What is less well known is the stigma and discrimination that children experience is perpetrated by their communities, their guardians and their peers. I want to challenge you all today to recognize that this stigma does exist and that it is cruel, unjust and unacceptable in our country.”

These were the words of Mama Salma Kikwete, on June 16th, the Day of the African Child. To mark the special day, Pact Tanzania formerly requested the Tanzania First lady Mama Salma Kikwete and the Mrs. Sue Green, wife of the US Ambassador Mark Green, to become champions against stigma. The two ladies were selected as champions against stigma due to the active role they have played in promoting and defending children’s rights.

Mama Kikwete and Mrs. Green were actually appointed Champions against Stigma by three orphaned children at a large outdoor event. They were provided with sashes and brooches identifying them as Champions. Both pledged to be outspoken voices against stigma and discrimination and promised to travel around Tanzania promoting positive messages and working to reduce the stigma children face.

Mama Kikwete said that as First Lady she felt great pride in her country and she cannot in any way condone discrimination, abuse and mistreatment of any Tanzanian, whether they be young or old, man or woman, sick or healthy, able-bodied or disabled.

“We know that children infected and affected by HIV /AIDS experience stigma and the children whose parents have died experience stigma and discrimination. Those young people have already lost and endured. It is unacceptable and unjust that they experience on top of that pain and suffering, stigma and discrimination.”

The event was organized by Pact Tanzania, hosted by WAMA, the Wanawake na Maendeleo Foundation and supported by USAID. More than 100 children participated in the event and were given the opportunity to share experiences of stigma and discrimination through drama, songs and stories. Other attendees were dignitaries from the Government of Tanzania, international NGOs, and the media.

In her remarks, Mrs. Green concluded: “I believe that every child has the right to be loved and cared for without discrimination. This is central to my faith and my firm belief in the unique value that each child brings to us; and this is why we say, “All children are our children; treat every child as your own.” “Watoto Wote ni Wetu, tusiwabague.”