Tatu Msangi
In 2004, after becoming pregnant with her daughter, Faith, Tatu Msangi faced a fear that no new mother should be forced to confront: whether or not her daughter would be born with HIV. Tatu first learned that she was living with HIV during a routine antenatal visit to a clinic near her home in Moshi, Tanzania. Thanks to the health counselors at the Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Center (KCMC), the work of the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, and her own determination Tatu was able to access the medicines and care she needed to help ensure that she wouldn’t pass the virus to her baby, both during pregnancy and in the crucial weeks and months following the birth.
“I was shocked to learn I was HIV-positive and I felt scared for my health and the health of my baby. But the counselors at the clinic gave me hope,” said Tatu. “My story is not just the story of a woman who received prevention of mother-to-child transmission services. I am also a woman who decided to take control of my situation and take strides to support others who might be in similar circumstances. By doing so, I am helping shape how my country fights this terrible disease now and for years to come,” said Tatu.
Several years ago, Tatu began working at KCMC – the same hospital where she received care — counseling other HIV-positive pregnant women and mothers. “I remember fighting so hard to keep my daughter healthy and HIV-free when I first learned my own status,” said Tatu. “Now, I see how scared many of the women are when they first arrive at my clinic. I hold their hands and share my own story with them to give them hope. Faith and I are living proof that PMTCT works.”
Tatu earned her nursing degree in 2012 and began to work as a nurse and peer counselor at KCMC in Moshi, Tanzania. After dedicating several years of her career to providing care to patients at a clinic location, Tatu learned that she can have a greater impact as a public health nurse, where she works not only on HIV prevention and care, but cervical cancer screening and treatment as well – a disease the disproportionately impacts women living with HIV.
“As a public health nurse, I work on the front lines in my community to not only support those people living with HIV but also women impacted by cervical cancer. My role as a nurse helps me engage with people around my community and identify ways to further support the healthcare needs of mothers, children and families.”
In her role as an EGPAF Ambassador, Tatu has previously joined world leaders such as U.S. President George W. Bush, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, and former U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator Ambassador Eric P. Goosby to share her story and encourage others to join the fight for an AIDS-free generation.
Profile last updated: February 2023
