Begun in July 2003 as a pilot project to assess the implications of scaling-up, it was aimed at a maximum of 25 people. PASADA was then included in the US funded PEPFAR Program in Tanzania in 2004 and the number of clients in therapy is now over 4,000 and steadily growing.

PASADA’s ART programme is managed by qualified professional staff: medical doctors, assistant medical officers, nurses and counsellors. They have all received ART training, either at the national level or internally.

Clients are initially assessed for eligibility on the basis of CD4 count, clinical profile, compliance status and family/social support. Clients who are eligible for ART undergo strict adherence counselling before starting treatment. They are also required to have a friend or family member who will support them. Adherence nurse counsellors continue this process every time the client returns to collect drugs. Medical follow-up of clients and the effects of treatment are ensured.

Children eligible for ART, or who are enrolled in ART, and their guardians are given  special help, in terms of understanding the implications of ART and the importance of disclosure to children and adherence to treatment.

The programme networks constantly with other institutions: Muhimbili National Hospital, Hindu Mandhal Hospital,  Temeke District Hospital and Ocean Road Cancer Hospital.