AIDSTanzania is student-run organization from the College of William and Mary dedicated to providing free, easily accessible, and sustainable HIV/AIDS education and testing to the diverse rural communities of Eastern sub-Saharan Africa. Nearly 1 in 20 adults is living with HIV/AIDS in sub-Saharan Africa (UNAIDS Report 2012). We emphasize prevention in all of our programs, and seek to empower community members, providing them with the tools and resources to develop and deliver programming and testing to their peers while we are in the United States.
We are not doctors, we are not health professionals—we are students, and the people we work with in Tanzania are students; yet, our efforts are limited only in their scope, not their effectiveness. In 2013, we tested over 40 individuals on our free testing day and initiated a successful education program at the local college, University of Arusha. After reviewing common misconceptions about HIV/AIDS, we were able to hold a Q&A session for over 60 people. Back at the UAACC compound, we had several discussions with locals about whatever they were curious about. From the transmission of HIV through pregnancy to how to put on a condom, our education was sought out as well as received very well.
Applications and interviews for AIDSTanzania’s new member class are submitted and conducted, respectively, in late February and March of each year.
Meet our Winter 2014 team:
Liz Englund (Co-President)
Arlington, VA
English / 2015
Favorite Car Music: Blasting One Direction in my car with the windows rolled down
Margaret Lobeck (Co-President)
Edina, MN
Literary & Cultural Studies / Psychology 2015
Favorite AIDSTZ Moment: Liz breaking the sink
Marge and Liz keepin’ it real
Maggie Gutierrez
Loudoun, VA
Sociology / Health and Humanities in Africa 2015
Favorite Thing About William and Mary: the Griffin
Carrie Sartor
Ashburn, VA
Neuroscience / 2014
Favorite Musical Artist: Alicia Keys
Mo and Carrie with the sweet Winnie
Carly Blatt (New Member Chair)
Baltimore, MD
Neuroscience / 2015
Fun Fact: I’m addicted to chapstick.
Elizabeth Scott
Windsor, VA
Women’s Studies / Theatre 2014
Favorite Things: Biggie and teacup pigs
Carly and Maggie. Enough Said.
Devon Ivie
Glen Rock, NJ
Literary & Cultural Studies /Art History 2015
Future Plans: be a fashion editor
Rachel Seaman (Fundraising Chair)
Painter, VA
In our classroom
From Left: Marigene, Mo, Marge, Liz, Carly, Carrie
Brenna Anderson
Madison, NJ
History / 2015
Fun Fact: I can’t tell time.
Mary Kate Connors
Montclair, NJ
Classics / Literary & Cultural Studies 2015
Fun Fact: I have six toes
Rachel and Maggie coming home!
Nuha Naqvi
McLean, VA
Biology / Public Health 2015
Fun Fact: I’ve been chased by a squirrel.
Munashe (Mo) Dube
Washington, D.C.
Biology / 2014
Hannah Cho
Baltimore, MD
Casey Douma
Richmond, VA
AIDSTanzania 