The magnitude of trafficking in persons in Tanzania is unknown. Consequently, available
information on health risks of persons trafficked for different forms of exploitation is extremely scanty.
We conducted a baseline study in eight administrative regions of Tanzania using both qualitative and
quantitative methods to generate data on the health conditions of trafficked persons to inform trafficking
in persons control measures through HIV and AIDS interventions. Study participants included the
national, regional and district community development officers, district medical officers, local
government leaders, managers or representatives of non-governmental organizations involved in antitrafficking
in persons activities, members of the community and victims. Findings indicated that common
forms of labour into which persons are trafficked include domestic services, agriculture (farming),
construction, mining/quarrying, fishing, lumbering and manufacturing. Trafficked persons are reported
to be exposed to risks like overcrowding, long working hours, psychological problems, physical injuries,
impotence, breathing problems and sexually transmitted infections including HIV. It is concluded that
the reported occupational hazards in industries where trafficked persons are forced into are not specific
to trafficked persons as they affect all labourers. However, the underground nature of the trafficking in
persons process increases health problems and risks, including the vulnerability to HIV infection. More
tailored research is needed, especially to find means of how to reach out and provide services to this
particular vulnerable population, validate labour forms of exploitation into which persons are trafficked
to enable the integration or mainstreaming of HIV and AIDS and trafficking in persons at the policy and
programmatic levels. In addition, findings would facilitate the understanding of the link between
increased risk of HIV and trafficking in persons.