Occupational HIV Exposure and PEP among Healthcare Workers in Tanzania: Five-Year DHIS2 Analysis

Occupational HIV Exposure and PEP among Healthcare Workers in Tanzania: Five-Year DHIS2 Analysis

• Evidence, Surveillance & Learning
• August 24, 2026

A recent study has examined occupational exposure to HIV and the use of post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) among healthcare workers in Tanzania using routinely collected DHIS2 data from 2021 to 2025.

The study analyzed data from 295 health facilities across 26 regions of mainland Tanzania. A total of 14,421 HIV exposure cases were reported, of which 4,291 (29.8%) were classified as occupational exposures. Among healthcare workers, 2,271 occupational HIV exposure cases were reported.

Needlestick injuries were the most commonly reported type of occupational exposure, accounting for 71% of cases, followed by solid needlestick injuries (15%) and splash exposures (14%). Nurses accounted for 35.9% of reported exposures, followed by clinicians at 33.3%.

The findings also examined the HIV PEP cascade among healthcare workers. Of the 2,271 healthcare workers who reported occupational HIV exposure, 2,145 (94.5%) were tested for HIV. A total of 2,014 (88.6%) accepted and started PEP, while 74.9% of those who started PEP completed the recommended 28-day course.

These findings highlight the importance of strengthening occupational health and safety measures within healthcare facilities, particularly prevention of needlestick injuries, timely access to PEP, appropriate HIV testing, and follow-up support to improve completion of the full PEP course.

From a public health perspective, strengthening occupational exposure reporting through digital health information systems such as DHIS2 can support routine surveillance, identify gaps in PEP services, and inform interventions aimed at protecting healthcare workers.

Evidence note: The study discussed in this article is currently available as a preprint and has not yet undergone peer review. Its findings should, therefore, be interpreted with appropriate caution and should not be considered a substitute for national HIV, PEP, or occupational-health guidelines.

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Data za DHIS2 za mwaka 2021–2025 zinaonyesha kuwa wahudumu wa afya 2,271 waliripoti mfiduo wa VVU uliotokea kazini.

Takwimu Muhimu

14,421 – matukio yote ya exposure VVU yaliyoripotiwa.

4,291 (29.8%)—matukio ya exposure yaliyotokea kazini.

2,271 – matukio yaliyohusisha wahudumu wa afya.

71% – Exposure uliotokana na majeraha ya sindano.

35.9% – matukio yaliyohusisha wauguzi.

94.5% (2,145) – wahudumu waliopima VVU baada ya mfiduo.

88.6% (2,014) – waliokubali na kuanza PEP.

74.9% – waliokamilisha dozi ya PEP ya siku 28.

Ujumbe Mkuu: Takwimu zinaonyesha umuhimu wa kuzuia majeraha ya sindano, kuhakikisha PEP inapatikana kwa wakati, na kuimarisha ufuatiliaji ili wahudumu wa afya wakamilishe dozi ya PEP.

Source: Kigombola A, Hokororo J, Mohamed H, Kinyenje E, et al. Occupational Exposure and Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) for HIV among Healthcare Workers: A Five-Year Retrospective Analysis of DHIS2 Data in Tanzania. Research Square preprint, 2026. DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-10500211/v1