United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Goodwill ambassador Ms Misako Konno, on Thursday visited Temeke hospital, Tandika, and Uvikiuta Youth village in Dar es Salaam.

During the visit she pledged to strive to raise awareness on UNDP-supported activities in Tanzania.

At Temeke Hospital, Ms Konno reviewed a report on efforts being made to raise awareness about testing for tuberculosis and HIV/Aids. Ms Konno also spoke to patients at the hospital.

According to Ms Neema Kapalata, Temeke hospital coordinator for leprosy and TB, 10 to 15 patients were diagnosed with the disease there every day of which three tested positive for HIV/Aids.

The UNDP has spent $13 billion in Tanzania to support various projects and provide resources to those affected by HIV/Aids. Ms Konno expressed her desire to see the hospital gain access to increased resources so that it serves patients even better.

At Tandika, the Goodwill ambassador had talks with NGOs that seek to mobilize those affected by HIV/Aids.

The six organisations including the Struggle for Social Awareness and Development, explained to Ms Konno efforts they make to assist their fellow citizens.

The organisation offers the youth the opportunity to receive an education and other life skills in order to keep them off the streets.

One of the beneficiaries, Dunia Othmani, said the goal of their organisation is to ensure that every youth finds self employment to lead self-sufficiency lives.

However, the organisation, as well as others present, complained of shortage of resources to perform their duties, with some leaders claiming that more often they are forced to sell personal items to raise funds.

At Uvikiuta Youth village in Chamazi in Temeke district, Ms Konno learned about techniques used the youths to create an ecologically-friendly environment.

The organisation employs solar power and other techniques such as rainwater harvesting and the use of biogas through UNDP support.

"Young people can do wonders if they are get support," Mr Benny Mongi, chairman of Uvikiuta said.

Ms Konno's visit to Tanzania highlights activities supported by the UNDP in the country. She arrived in Tanzania on Sunday to start a five-day visit to Mwanza and Dar es Salaam.