BackgroundResults from HIV vaccine trials on potential volunteers will contribute to global efforts to develop an HIV vaccine. The purpose of this study among police officers in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, was to explore the underlying reasons that induce people to enrol in an HIV vaccine trial.MethodsWe conducted discussions with eight focus groups, containing a total of 66 police officers. The information collected was analyzed using interpretive description.ResultsThe results showed that participants were motivated to participate in the trial by altruism, and that the participants experienced some concerns about their participation. They stated that altruism in the fight against HIV infection was the main reason for enrolling in the trial. However, young participants were seriously concerned about a possible loss of close relationships if they enrolled in the HIV vaccine trial. Both men and women feared the effect of the trial on their reproductive biology, and they feared interference with pregnancy norms. They were unsure about risks such as the risks of acquiring HIV infection and of suffering physical harm, and they were unsure of the intentions of the researchers conducting the trial. Further, enrolling in the trial required medical examination, and this led some participants to fear that unknown diseases would be revealed. Other participants, however, saw an opportunity to obtain free health services.ConclusionsWe have shown that specific fears are important concerns when recruiting volunteers to an HIV vaccine trial. More knowledge is needed to determine participants' views and to ensure that they understand the conduct of the trial and the reasons it is being carried out.

BackgroundAs HIV infection continues to devastate low-income countries, efforts to search for an effective HIV vaccine are crucial. Therefore, participation in HIV vaccine trials will be useful for the development of a preventive vaccine that will work and thus reduce the global HIV epidemic.ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to analyse the willingness to volunteer (WTV) in a Phase I/II HIV vaccine trial among police officers in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.DesignWe included a convenience sample of 329 participants (79% males) from sensitisation workshops that were held once at each of the 32 police stations. Participants were recruited from 23 stations which were included according to availability. Data about personal characteristics, general HIV and AIDS knowledge and sexual behaviour, attitudes towards vaccines and willingness to participate in the HIV vaccine trial were obtained through an interview-administered questionnaire with both closed and open-ended questions.ResultsOverall, 61% of the participants expressed WTV in HIV vaccine trials. WTV was significantly associated with: positive attitude towards use of effective vaccine, Odds ratio (OR), 36.48 (95% CI: 15.07–88.28); the intention to tell others about one's decision to participate in the trial, OR, 6.61 (95% CI: 3.89–11.24); Tanzania becoming a partner in developing the vaccine, OR, 4.28 (95% CI: 2.28–8.03); having an extra sexual partner, OR, 3.05 (95% CI: 1.63–5.69); perceived higher risk of getting HIV infection, OR, 2.11 (95% CI: 1.34–3.33); and high knowledge about HIV and AIDS, OR, 1.92 (95% CI: 1.22–3.01).ConclusionThe results indicated that a majority of police officers in this study were willing to participate in HIV vaccine trials. However, there is a need to provide the respondents with precise information about the purpose of a Phase I/II HIV vaccine trial and the fact that it does not protect against HIV infection, in order to avoid increasing risky behaviour.

This paper sought to highlight teachers’ attitudes on implementing the Free Basic Education Policy in Kiteto District Council, Tanzania. Data were collected from 169 respondents by using questionnaires and interviews. Data analysis was done by descriptive statistics and content analysis. The findings showed that the teachers generally had positive attitudes towards the implementation of the free basic education policy. In their efforts to implement the policy, the teachers treated the students with passion, listening to students’ problems, encouraging students to participate in implementing the policy and motivating students to study hard to attain their goals. Teachers’ practices included their participation in school decision-making, communicating with parents to encourage them to side school in implementing the free education policy, preparing the learning environment for the implementation of the policy, monitoring, supervising, and distributing teaching/learning materials to students equitably, and supervising students’ academic progress. It was concluded that teachers’ attitude is very important in the implementation of any program or policy in the school. It is recommended to the government that all plans, programs, and policies that are related to education need consultation from the teachers so that they can be sustainable and effective.

The paper examined the teachers’ perceptions of the impacts of teachers’ union on the improvement of teachers’ living conditions in Morogoro Municipality. This study used a mixed approach where a descriptive survey was used in the collection of information from the respondents through questionnaires, interview. Data analysis was done both thematically and using descriptive statistics by using SPSS version 20 program. The study revealed that teachers’ union has not fully managed to improve the living condition of its members in Morogoro as was thought before. The response of teachers’ union to the problems and complaints of teachers is poor and therefore most the teachers are living in poor conditions despite their 02% monthly contribution to the entire union. The study further revealed some areas that need to be improved for the future benefit of the union members. These include the building of houses for teachers in Morogoro Municipality, improving health issues by building large hospitals for teachers in Morogoro Municipality, improving transport for teachers, and hardship allowance for Teachers should also be provided in Morogoro Municipality. The union also must ensure that water and electricity bills in the constructed houses for teachers are settled and Scholarships for further studies as well as in-service training are given priority for teachers in Morogoro Municipality. The article makes the recommendation that unions constantly maintain a natural connection with their base of members. The involvement of members in various union affairs is crucial for achieving this goal. Members of the union should be well informed of all union activities. Additionally, unions must enhance their reputation and persuade the workforce that they are capable of exceeding the expectations of their members