From the information gathered, no one has yet been convicted for transmitting HIV.  The HIV and AIDS (Prevention and Control) Bill (2007) which made provision for the existence of the crime, was this year enacted into the HIV and AIDS (Prevention and Control) Act.

The punishment of ‘life imprisonment’ which alarmed activists at the Mexico conference (see media reports) has been maintained in the enacted provisions.

Actual transmission, rather than exposure to the virus is punishable.

From the scarcity of media reports, it appears that the enactment did not receive much media coverage.

To provide specific guidance to Members of Parliament, Ministers, of SADC countries on the complex process of HIV legisla­tion, the SADC Parliamentary Forum, a consultative and advisory intergovernmental organization of national Parliaments in  SADC countries, with the technical assistance of the AIDS and Human Rights Research Unit and the involvement of vari­ous stakeholders and regional civil society groups, has developed a model law on HIV to serve that purpose.

The Model Law integrates the protection of human rights as a key element of an effective response to HIV.  The Model Law has no provisions allowing criminalisation.  As a member of the SADC region, it remains to be seen what impact the ‘Model Law’ will have on the current Tanzanian legislative provisions.

Tanzania Media industry is significantly responsive to HIV and AIDS prevention and control. So far 18 media houses have developed and are impelementing HIV and AIDS policies. There are many articles on  HIV & AIDS but not specific to criminalisation issues.