Fierce Medicines, Fragile Socialities: Grounding Global HIV Treatment in Tanzania

Dominik Mattes' book "Tanga Tales" explores the implementation of antiretroviral HIV-treatment (ART) in Tanga, Tanzania, highlighting the infrastructural and social challenges and long-term uncertainties of treatment provision and patients' struggles with ART in their everyday lives.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 436 pages
Publication date: 13 October 2023
Publisher: Berghahn Books

Dominik Mattes' book, set in the city of Tanga on the Tanzanian Swahili coast, delves into the implementation of antiretroviral HIV-treatment (ART) in the region. Through extensive ethnographic fieldwork, Mattes explores the multifaceted infrastructural and social fragilities of treatment provision in public HIV clinics, as well as the complex struggles of patients in navigating ART in their daily lives. The book reveals that, despite the widespread rollout of ART, providing treatment and living with HIV in settings like Tanga continue to entail significant social, economic, and moral challenges, as well as long-term uncertainties, which contradict the global rhetoric of the "normalization of HIV."

Mattes' research highlights the complex realities faced by individuals living with HIV in resource-limited settings. He sheds light on the challenges of accessing healthcare, including the lack of adequate medical equipment, trained healthcare workers, and affordable medications. Patients often face long waiting times, stigma, and discrimination, which further exacerbate their physical and emotional well-being.

Furthermore, Mattes examines the social and economic implications of ART implementation. He explores how the availability of treatment has impacted individuals' livelihoods, relationships, and social status. He notes that while ART has brought about some improvements in health outcomes, it has also created new challenges, such as the potential for drug resistance, side effects, and the financial burden of treatment costs.

The book also sheds light on the cultural and religious beliefs that influence patients' attitudes towards ART. Mattes notes that many patients face resistance from their communities and religious leaders, who view HIV as a punishment or a sign of moral weakness. This resistance can make it difficult for patients to access and adhere to treatment, leading to poor health outcomes.

In conclusion, Dominik Mattes' book provides a valuable insight into the implementation of ART in resource-limited settings. It highlights the multifaceted infrastructural and social fragilities of treatment provision, as well as the complex struggles of patients in navigating ART in their daily lives. The book challenges the global rhetoric of the "normalization of HIV" and emphasizes the need for continued efforts to address the social, economic, and moral challenges faced by individuals living with HIV.

Weight: 634g
Dimension: 152 x 230 x 27 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781805391210