Tanzania National Parks

In Tanzania, despite the progress in HIV testing and counseling, 39.4% of people living with HIV aged ≥ 15 years were unaware of their HIV status in 2017. HIV testing is a crucial entry point for prevention, early diagnosis, and treatment of HIV to increase survival, improve quality of life, and prevent further transmission. This analysis aimed to estimate the proportion of individuals aged ≥ 15 years living with HIV in Tanzania who were unaware of their HIV status and to determine factors associated with unawareness of HIV-positive status. We analyzed data from the Tanzania HIV Impact Survey 2022-2023, a nationally representative cross-sectional survey which employed a two-stage cluster sampling design and included HIV testing at the household with laboratory confirmation. This analysis focused on individuals aged ≥ 15 years who tested HIV-positive during the survey. Weighted percentages were calculated to summarize demographic information and the proportion unaware of their HIV-positive status. Logistic regression accounting for complex survey design was used to determine factors associated with unawareness of HIV-positive status. A total of 1,850 individuals aged ≥ 15 years tested HIV positive, among which 266 (17.3%) were unaware of their HIV-positive status. Males were more likely to be unaware of their HIV-positive status than females (21.6%, aOR = 1.67, 95% CI: 1.06-2.61, p = 0.029 vs. 15.2%). Young people aged 15 - 24 years were over five times more likely to be unaware of their HIV-positive status (aOR = 5.61, 95% CI: 2.12-14.84, p = 0.001) compared to individuals aged ≥ 55 years. Individuals who reported not using a condom at last sexual intercourse in the past year were more likely to be unaware of their HIV status than those who reported condom use (aOR = 2.36, 95% CI: 1.32-4.20, p = 0.005). Those with at least one partner living with HIV were less likely to be unaware of their HIV-positive status compared to individuals with all sexual partners who were HIV negative (aOR = 0.04, 95% CI: 0.00-0.42, p = 0.009). Despite robust HIV case-finding interventions in Tanzania, 1 in 6 PLHIV were unaware of their HIV-positive status. Targeted HIV case-finding interventions should continue with a focus on reaching men and young people who were more likely to be unaware of their status. HIV prevention strategies, such as condom use, remain crucial, since individual behaviors were linked to awareness of HIV status.

Abstract Background Routine viral load monitoring is essential for assessing treatment effectiveness and for achieving global HIV treatment targets. Although viral load testing capacity has expanded across sub-Saharan Africa, gaps remain in monitoring coverage and equitable treatment outcomes. National-level analyses examining viral load uptake, suppression, and geographic variation in Tanzania remain limited. Methods We conducted a retrospective observational analysis using routinely collected HIV programme data from the National AIDS and Sexually Transmitted Infections Control Programme (NASHCoP) Care and Treatment Clinic database. The analysis included 70,000 individuals receiving antiretroviral therapy between 2017 and 2021 across all regions of mainland Tanzania. Viral load uptake was defined as the presence of at least one documented viral load test during the observation period. Viral suppression was defined as a viral load result <1,000 copies/mL among individuals with available test results. Descriptive analyses summarized demographic and treatment characteristics, while multivariable logistic regression models identified predictors of viral load uptake and viral suppression. Geographic variation in programme performance was examined at regional and district levels using choropleth maps. Results Among 70,000 individuals included in the analysis, 49,820 (71.2%) had at least one documented viral load result. Among those tested, 44,187 (88.7%) achieved viral suppression. Viral load uptake was lowest among young adults and slightly lower among males than females. Viral suppression was lower among children and adolescents than among older age groups. Individuals receiving dolutegravir-based regimens demonstrated higher viral suppression than those receiving NNRTI-based regimens. Substantial geographic heterogeneity was observed, with viral load uptake varying across regions and districts. Several districts characterized by mobile populations and seasonal migration patterns demonstrated comparatively lower monitoring coverage. Conclusions Although viral load monitoring coverage and suppression levels among those tested were relatively high, important gaps remain in testing uptake and geographic equity. Adolescents, young adults, and populations in certain districts experience lower monitoring coverage and treatment outcomes. Strengthening viral load monitoring systems, expanding youth-responsive HIV services, and addressing geographic disparities will be important for sustaining progress toward national and global HIV treatment targets.

The use of medicinal plants has been an important part of people's lives since the time of our ancestors. Before the advent of modern medicine, people used various types of plants to treat mild to severe illnesses, such as fever, cough, wounds, digestive disorders, and skin diseases. Inventory of medicinal plants plays a very important role in exploring the potential of existing natural resources, especially as an effort to support the development of traditional medicine. The purpose of this study is to identify the types of medicinal plants used by local communities in traditional medicine. The method used in this study is a descriptive method through direct surveys at the research location. The findings obtained in the field concluded that all types of plants mentioned in this study are very beneficial for the people of Duhiadaa District, because they can help in treating various types of diseases experienced by the community. The types of diseases that can be treated include hypertension, gout, stomach acid, cholesterol, kidney disease, diabetes, inflammation, cancer, wounds, diarrhea and digestive disorders.

The development of thematic teaching materials at the elementary school level requires a deep understanding of students’ learning needs to ensure that the presented material is relevant, contextual, and capable of improving learning outcomes. This study aims to analyze the learning needs of elementary school students as a basis for developing effective thematic teaching materials. Literature related to learning needs, teaching material design, integrated thematic approaches, and the characteristics of students’ cognitive development were analyzed comprehensively. The results of the study indicate that students’ learning needs include contextual material, concrete visualizations, collaborative activities, and varied learning media. Challenges include limitations of teachers in conducting needs analysis, suboptimal utilization of technology, and the suitability of material to the local context. This article provides strategic recommendations for designing student-needs-based thematic teaching materials that are adaptive, engaging, and competency-oriented.

This study discusses the development of thematic teaching materials in elementary schools to improve the quality of learning in accordance with the 2013 Curriculum. The research method used is research and development with the ADDIE model (Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, Evaluation). The results show that the thematic teaching materials developed with approaches such as Project Based Learning (PjBL), Problem Based Learning (PBL), and Contextual Teaching and Learning (CTL) can enhance students' critical thinking, creativity, and social responsibility skills. The integration of local wisdom values as well as the use of digital and contextual teaching materials make learning more engaging, interactive, and meaningful. The thematic teaching materials based on these innovative learning models can help students develop 21st-century skills. Thus, the development of thematic teaching materials based on innovative models is an effective strategy for creating quality learning in elementary schools that is relevant to curriculum demands and the needs of today's learners. The use of technology and contextual approaches enriches students' learning experiences, making them more relevant and beneficial in daily life.

Anthrax, caused byBacillus anthracis(BA), is a prominent neglected zoonosis with major impacts on human, livestock, and wildlife health. Despite this, limited genomic investigation at the One Health interface constrains current understanding of BA transmission and of the ecological and host factors shaping its diversity and population structure. This includes the possibility of host-specific BA lineages, given that anthrax outbreaks often disproportionally affect individual species. This study characterises the genomic diversity of BA in an endemic area, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA), in northern Tanzania. We analysed 213 BA genomes from livestock, wildlife and humans from cultured isolates combined with a culture-free targeted capture (TC) approach. NCA sequences formed a distinct genetic cluster compared with those from surrounding areas, and we observed surprisingly high levels of strain diversity within apparent epidemiological clusters, as well as within single animals, though strain diversity was lowest at the within host scale. We found limited evidence for seasonal clustering of cases as well as for BA lineages clustering by host species. This indicates that disproportional impacts on certain species during outbreaks are more likely driven by host ecology factors or, hypothetically, by accessory parts of the bacterial genome not represented in our data. TC-derived data significantly expanded the range of host species and geographic locations for genomic analysis, demonstrating the value of this approach. Although TC data may contain artefactual variation, shared SNP profiles between isolate- and TC-derived genomes gave confidence in its use for genotyping. Our analysis demonstrates unexpectedly high BA strain diversity and limited population structure in this endemic area across a range of spatial scales, including within-host. It further highlights the need for high density sampling and adaptable sequencing strategies to generate adequate BA genomic datasets that can enable informative molecular epidemiological studies of anthrax at the One Health interface.Author SummaryAnthrax continues to threaten the health of people, livestock, and wildlife in many parts of the world, yet we still know surprisingly little about how this disease spreads in nature. One major gap is understanding why some species are affected more strongly during outbreaks, despite assumed equal susceptibility. To investigate this, we studied the genomic diversity of the anthrax-causing bacteriumBacillus anthracisin a large conservation area in northern Tanzania. We combined two ways of generating genetic data: traditional laboratory culture and a culture-free method that allowed us to recover bacterial DNA from a wider range of samples.By analysing a uniquely large and species-diverse dataset of over 200 bacterial genomes from people, livestock and wildlife, we found that bacteria from the study area formed a clearly defined group compared to those from surrounding regions. We also discovered unexpectedly high diversity of strains, not only across the landscape but even within single animals. Despite this diversity, we saw little evidence that certain bacterial lineages are tied to specific host species. Our results suggest that the behaviour and ecology of different animals, rather than host-adapted lineages of the bacterium, likely explain why some species are more affected than others.

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui pemanfaatan pemberian pupuk organik pada berbagai varietas kacang panjang. Penelitian ini dirancang dengan menggunakan rancangan acak kelompok terdiri atas enam taraf perlakuan yaitu pupuk kandang ayam dan varietas kanton tavi (V11) ; pupuk kandang burung walet dan varietas kanton tavi (V12) ; pupuk kandang ayam dan varietas pertiwi (V21) ; pupuk kandang burung walet dan varietas pertiwi (V22) ; pupuk kandang ayam dan varietas persada (V31) ; dan pupuk kandang burung walet dan varietas persada (V32). Perlakuan diulang sebanyak 3 kali dengan 5 unit sehingga menghasilkan 90 polybag pengamatan. Berdasarkan hasil penelitian diperoleh bahwa perlakuan V31 memberikan hasil terbaik pada parameter pengamatan panjang tanaman (206,381 cm), jumlah daun (2,685 helai pada umur 14 HST dan 5,683 helai pada umur 21 HST), dan panjang buah kacang panjang (56,207 cm). Perlakuan V12 memberikan hasil terbaik pada parameter pengamatan jumlah daun 28 HST (8,529 helai), jumlah buah (6,889 buah per polybag) dan berat buah kacang panjang (180,804 g per polybag). This study aims to determine the utilization of organic fertilizer application on various yardlong bean varieties. The experiment was designed using a randomized complete block design consisting of six treatment levels: chicken manure with the Kanton Tavi variety (V11); swiftlet droppings with the Kanton Tavi variety (V12); chicken manure with the Pertiwi variety (V21); swiftlet droppings with the Pertiwi variety (V22); chicken manure with the Persada variety (V31); and swiftlet droppings with the Persada variety (V32). Each treatment was replicated three times with five units per replication, resulting in a total of 90 observation polybags. Based on the results, the V31 treatment produced the best outcomes in the parameters of plant height (206,382 cm), number of leaves (2,685 leaves at 14 days after planting (DAP) and 5,683 leaves at 21 DAP), and pod length (56,207 cm). The V12 treatment yielded the best results in the number of leaves at 28 DAP (8,529 leaves), number of pods (6,889 pods), and pod weight (180,804 g).

ABSTRACT While between‐habitat comparisons are commonplace in ecology, we know very little about the changes among species assemblages within habitats. Here we aimed to examine within‐habitat processes in spider assemblages across three elevations in tropical forests, using a design tailored both geographically and methodologically for this purpose. We hypothesised greater within‐habitat βTD (caused by lower connectivity), decreasing body sizes (because of lower temperatures) and less frequent ballooning (due to greater isolation) with increasing elevation. We collected spiders at five within‐habitat (horizontal) distances at each elevation in the Udzungwa Mountains, Tanzania, applying standardised protocols. We assessed differences among assemblages using taxonomic and functional β‐diversity measures and their components. We applied PerMANOVAs to test for different β between elevations, PERMDISP to evaluate within‐habitat variability, exponential and power‐law models to examine within‐habitat distance‐decay, and community weighted values of traits to capture functional patterns for each trait. As predicted, within‐habitat βTD was greater at higher elevations, with stronger distance‐decay relationships (taxonomic and functional). Also, as predicted, high elevation assemblages appeared to show smaller body sizes and lower ballooning frequency. Our results demonstrate the uniqueness of mountain assemblages and that the Udzungwa Mountains, as well as other mountainous areas, should receive increasing conservation attention, as they provide unmissable opportunities to conserve, through small additions or connections, countless small‐range or habitat‐restricted endemic species.

ABSTRACTThe African savannah elephant (Loxodonta africana) is listed as endangered on the IUCN Red List. The Ruaha–Rungwa ecosystem supports Tanzania's largest elephant population and remains a critical yet understudied stronghold for elephant conservation in East Africa. Effective conservation in this ecosystem requires understanding elephant movements across large landscapes and varying levels of disturbance. This study addressed the gap by utilizing GPS‐satellite tracking of 28 elephants over a 4‐year period in Tanzania's Ruaha–Rungwa ecosystem. It examined their home ranges and movement patterns inside and outside protected areas and identified key elephant hotspots. The findings aim to improve conservation strategies and mitigate human–elephant conflicts through better habitat management and protection efforts. The study found no significant difference between home range estimates from Minimum Convex Polygon and Adaptive Kernel Density Estimation, with 28 collared elephants averaging 2536 km2 at the 99% isopleth. Home range size varied by age and season but not by sex. Elephants moved faster at night in less protected areas during both wet and dry seasons. Population‐level habitat use was similar across protection levels. Village lands in western Rungwa Game Reserve and its surrounding areas, as well as the eastern regions outside Ruaha National Park, served as key refuge sites during the wet season. Findings suggest elephants in the Ruaha–Rungwa ecosystem require vast areas, with adjacent lands playing a crucial role in their survival. High elephant activity in village lands within the western Rungwa Game Reserve and Lunda‐Mkwambi Game Controlled Area highlights the potential for human–elephant conflict, emphasizing the need to reopen the wildlife corridor for linking Ruaha–Rungwa and Rukwa–Katavi ecosystems. This study offered crucial insights into elephant movement and behavior in a landscape increasingly shaped by human–elephant conflict and habitat fragmentation, informing strategies for connectivity, land‐use planning, and coexistence.

Penelitian ini membahas tentang peran media audio visual dalam meningkatkan minat belajar siswa pada mata pelajaran Ilmu Pengetahuan Sosial (IPS). Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui efektivitas penggunaan media audio visual dalam menarik perhatian dan meningkatkan keterlibatan siswa selama pembelajaran IPS. Media audio visual, antara lain video, animasi, dan presentasi interaktif, membantu menyajikan materi dengan lebih menarik dan mudah dipahami, sehingga memotivasi siswa untuk menjadi pembelajar yang lebih aktif. Temuan penelitian menunjukkan bahwa penggunaan media ini dapat meningkatkan minat belajar siswa, menjadikan proses pembelajaran lebih dinamis, dan membantu mereka memperoleh pemahaman lebih dalam tentang konsep IPS. Selain itu, media audio visual mendorong partisipasi yang lebih tinggi dan menciptakan lingkungan kelas yang lebih hidup.