On February 3, 2026, the Sabasaba grounds in Njombe Town transformed into a vibrant hub of energy and purpose. WOCHFO, with the generous support of PEPFAR and the U.S. Embassy, hosted a unique health bonanza specifically designed for female bar workers, a community that plays a vital role in our local economy but often faces barriers to accessing consistent health services.
The event brought together over 213 participants from seven local bars, alongside government officials and dedicated HIV health providers, for a day that proved health education is most effective when paired with community spirit.
More Than Just a Game
The “Bonanza” wasn’t your typical health seminar. We believe that joy and movement are the best ways to break down the stigma surrounding HIV. Participants competed in several high energy events:
- Classic Races: Sack races and the precision testing “egg on spoon” walk.
- Strength & Unity: A competitive “pulling the rope” (tug of war) match.
- Creative Advocacy: Participants composed and performed HIV education songs and showcased their best moves in a dance off.
The Reward
Winners didn’t just take home bragging rights; they received official certificates and custom t-shirts featuring vital messaging on HIV prevention, testing, and treatment.
While the games were the highlight of the afternoon, the core mission was to provide accessible health interventions. The presence of HIV health providers ensured that testing was private, safe, and immediate.
By the numbers
| METRIC | NUMBERS |
| Total Attendance | 213 female bar workers |
| Voluntary HIV Testing | 57 individuals |
| New Diagnoses | 4 individuals |
| Linkage to Care | 100% (All 4 linked to ART initiation) |
Seeing the community come together like this is a testament to what we can achieve when we prioritize reach and empathy over traditional clinical settings.
Guest of Honor, the Regional AIDS Control Coordinator (RACC) of Njombe
This event wouldn’t have been possible without the collaboration between WOCHFO and our funders at PEPFAR. By meeting people where they are, socially and geographically, we are closing the gap in HIV care and ensuring that no one in Njombe Town is left behind.
We extend our deepest thanks to the government officers who joined us and the health providers who worked tirelessly throughout the day. Most importantly, we thank the 213 women who joined us to prioritize their health and the health of their community.
Health is a team sport. Let’s keep winning together.
