PIUMA, the HIV-AIDS patients' advocacy and human rights group, has hired Mr. Taimu Jackson Sanga as its new Coordinator, Ms. Juma Nzige as Clinical Officer, and Potania Mfuse as its nurse responsible for PIUMA's village outreach in Voluntary Counselling and Testing and Home-Based Care.

PIUMA's former Coordinator, Jackson Mbogela, is preparing to go to the Netherlands for advanced university studies as a a recipient of a scholarship from the Ford Foundation and has become a member of PIUMA's Advisory Council.

PIUMA is eager to get its new staff members in place and restart its counselling and testing services as well as its mobile clinics in villages in Makete District. PIUMA tested thousands of individuals in its testing drive beginning in the summer of 2007 as its part in the nation-wide testing campaign launched by the President of Tanzania, Mr. Jakaya Kikwete.

PIUMA also anticipates renewing its commitment to outspoken advocacy on a range of health and humans rights issues, including its repeated calls for an end to corruption in the provision of health care in Makete District.

Congratulations to Taimu and Juma.

Kwa pamoja tutashinda! (Together we can accomplish all things!)