National Non-Communicable Diseases Conferences- A Platform to Inform Policies and Practices in Tanzania

Background

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) arise from diverse risk factors with differences in the contexts and variabilities in regions and countries. Addressing such a complex challenge requires local evidence. Tanzania has been convening stakeholders every year to disseminate and discuss scientific evidence, policies, and implementation gaps, to inform policy makers in NCDs responses. This paper documents these dissemination efforts and how they have influenced NCDs response and landscape in Tanzania and the region.

Methods

Desk review was conducted through available MOH and conference organizers' documents. It had both quantitative and qualitative data. The review included reports of the four NCDs conferences, conference organization, and conduct processes. In addition, themes of the conferences, submitted abstracts, and presentations were reviewed. Narrative synthesis was conducted to address the objectives. Recommendations emanated from the conference and policy uptake were reviewed and discussed to determine the impact of the dissemination.

Findings

Since 2019, four theme-specific conferences were organized. This report includes evidence from four conferences. The conferences convened researchers and scientists from research and training institutions, implementers, government agencies, and legislators in Tanzania and other countries within and outside Africa. Four hundred and thirty-five abstracts were presented covering 14 sub-themes on health system improvements, financing, governance, prevention intervention, and the role of innovation and technology. The conferences have had a positive effect on governments' response to NCDs, including health care financing, NCDs research agenda, and universal health coverage.

Conclusion

The National NCDs conferences have provided suitable platforms where stakeholders can share, discuss, and recommend vital strategies for addressing the burden of NCDs through informing policies and practices. Ensuring the engagement of the right stakeholders, as well as the uptake and utilization of the recommendations from these platforms, remains crucial for addressing the observed epidemiological transition in Tanzania and other countries with similar contexts.

Lessons learnt and best practices in scaling up an emergency transportation system to tackle maternal and neonatal mortality: a qualitative study of key stakeholders in Shinyanga, Tanzania

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to document lessons learnt and best practices for scaling up an innovative emergency transportation system, drawing insights from the m-mama programme implemented in Shinyanga, Tanzania. The m-mama pilot programme was implemented in phases from 2014 to 2016 in two districts and later scaled up to include all districts in Shinyanga region in 2017. The programme employed an emergency transportation system and technical and operational support of the health system to address the three delays leading to maternal and neonatal mortality.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional, qualitative research with key healthcare system stakeholders from the national, regional and district levels.

SETTING

The study was conducted in Kahama and Kishapu districts in Shinyanga, Tanzania. The two districts were selected purposefully to represent the programme implementation districts' rural and urban or semiurban settings.

PARTICIPANTS

District, regional and national stakeholders involved in implementing the m-mama pilot programme in Shinyanga were interviewed between February and March 2022.

RESULTS

Lessons learnt from implementing the m-mama programme were grouped into four key themes: community engagement, emergency transportation system, government engagement, and challenges and constraints in technical implementation. Stakeholder engagement and collaboration at all levels, community involvement in implementation, adherence to local contexts and effective government partnerships were identified as key drivers for programme success. Coordination, supervision and infrastructure enhancement were crucial in implementing the emergency transportation system.

CONCLUSIONS

Facilitating community involvement, understanding the local context and adapting to existing structures can enhance programme ownership and utilisation. The government serves as the central coordinator, overseeing resource mobilisation and distribution. A well-executed and coordinated emergency transportation system holds promise in addressing delays and curbing maternal and neonatal mortality. Collaborative knowledge-sharing among implementers is essential for identifying best practices and gaining insights into practical strategies for addressing anticipated challenges.

User requirements for non-invasive and minimally invasive glucose self-monitoring devices in low-income and middle-income countries: a qualitative study in Kyrgyzstan, Mali, Peru and Tanzania

AIMS

Development of non-invasive and minimally invasive glucose monitoring devices (NI-MI-GMDs) generally takes place in high-income countries (HICs), with HIC's attributes guiding product characteristics. However, people living with diabetes (PLWD) in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs) encounter different challenges to those in HICs. This study aimed to define requirements for NI-MI-GMDs in LMICs to inform a target product profile to guide development and selection of suitable devices.

METHODS

This was a multiple-methods, exploratory, qualitative study conducted in Kyrgyzstan, Mali, Peru and Tanzania. Interviews and group discussions/activities were conducted with healthcare workers (HCWs), adults living with type 1 (PLWD1) or type 2 diabetes (PLWD2), adolescents living with diabetes and caregivers.

RESULTS

Among 383 informants (90 HCW, 100 PLWD1, 92 PLWD2, 24 adolescents, 77 caregivers), a range of differing user requirements were reported, including preferences for area of glucose measurement, device attachment, data display, alert type and temperature sensitivity. Willingness to pay varied across countries; common requirements included ease of use, a range of guiding functions, the possibility to attach to a body part of choice and a cost lower than or equal to current glucose self-monitoring.

CONCLUSIONS

Ease-of-use and affordability were consistently prioritised, with broad functionality required for alarms, measurements and attachment possibilities. Perspectives of PLWD are crucial in developing a target product profile to inform characteristics of NI-MI-GMDs in LMICs. Stakeholders must consider these requirements to guide development and selection of NI-MI-GMDs at country level, so that devices are fit for purpose and encourage frequent glucose monitoring among PLWD in these settings.

Evaluation of Dose Adjustment in Patients With Renal Impairment at Muhimbili National Hospital in Tanzania

Background: The burden of renal diseases is increasing in developing countries like Tanzania. Drug accumulation exposes patients with renal impairment to drug toxicity that may lead to adverse drug reactions, poor adherence to treatment, and increased healthcare costs. There is limited information on the appropriateness of dosage regimen adjustment for patients with renal impairment, particularly in developing countries such as Tanzania. This study aimed to investigate the appropriateness of drug dosing in hospitalized patients with renal impairment in Tanzania. Methods: This was a retrospective cross-sectional study. It was conducted between November 2019 and April 2020 amongst hospitalized patients at Muhimbili National Hospital. All enrolled patients had serum creatinine levels ≥1.2 mg/dL and taking at least one drug requiring dosage regimen adjustment. Creatinine clearance was calculated from patient serum creatinine using the Cockcroft-Gault equation. Drug dosing appropriateness was determined by comparing the current practice with tertiary references. The relationship between the patient's baseline characteristics and the rate of dosage regimen adjustment was determined using the X2 test. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis evaluated the predictors of dosing adjustment. Results: Most of the enrolled patients, 269 (98.9%) had comorbidities. Of the medication orders included in the final analysis, 372 (27%) needed dosage regimen adjustment. Out of the 372 medication orders, not adjusted were 168 (45.2%), inappropriately adjusted 105 (28.2%), and appropriately adjusted were only 99 (26.6%). In this study, 212 (77.9%) patients received at least one drug with an incorrect dosage regimen. Females and those with level 4 renal impairment patients were more likely to have their doses appropriately adjusted compared to their counterparts. Conclusions: In this study, about three-quarters of the patients received at least one drug with an incorrect dosage regimen. Thus, appropriate measures such as the availability of national guidelines and clinical decision support systems for drug dosing adjustment in patients' renal impairment should be in place.

Incidence and determinants of adverse events in individuals with HIV commencing Dolutegravir-based antiretroviral therapy in mainland Tanzania

Tanzania adopted a Dolutegravir (DTG)-based regimen as first-line treatment in 2019 following the World Health Organization recommendation. Data on the DTG safety profile from sub-Saharan Africa including Tanzania are limited. We investigated the incidence of DTG-related adverse events (AEs) and associated factors among people living with HIV (PLHIV) initiated on a DTG regimen. A prospective cohort study was conducted from 25 Care and Treatment Clinics in mainland Tanzania. PLHIV aged 12 years and above who were initiated on a DTG-based regimen were actively followed up for three months. The Cox regression model was used to determine the predictors of occurrence of AEs over time. A p-value of 0.05 was considered statistically significant. From January 2020 to June 2022, a cohort of 935 participants who were both newly diagnosed and ART-experienced who transitioned to a DTG-based regimen was enrolled. Out of 935 participants, 59 (6.3%) reported a total of 62 AEs. The most frequently experienced AE was skin itching and rashes (15/62; 24.2%). DTG-associated neuropsychiatric AEs were less common and included headache (6 [9.6%]) and sleep disturbances (3 [4.8%]). The overall incidence of occurrence of the first AEs was 96.7 per 1000 person-months [95% C.I: 74.4-125.7] with the highest incidence observed among the elderly (≥ 60 years). Individuals on WHO HIV Clinical Stage 2 had a 2.7 significantly higher risk of developing AEs (adjusted hazard ratio = 2.73, 95% CI = 1.46-5.12, p = 0.017). We report a low incidence of grade I (mild) and grade II (moderate) DTG-associated AEs suggesting that the regimen is generally safe in the population. Continued monitoring of DTG safety in the population is recommended.

Non-communicable Diseases Week: Best Practices in Addressing the NCDs Burden from Tanzania

Background

Five million people die every year from non-communicable diseases (NCDs) globally. In Tanzania, more than two-thirds of deaths are NCD-related. The country is investing in preventive and advocacy activities as well as interventions to reduce the burden. Of particular interest, the Ministry of Health (MoH) commemorates NCDs' week using a multisectoral and multi-stakeholders' approach. This paper highlights activities conducted during NCDs week with the aim of sharing lessons for other countries with similar context and burdens.

Methods

A thorough review of official reports and the national strategic plans for NCDs was done including the 2020 and 2021 National NCDs' week reports, the National Strategic Plan for NCDs 2015-2020, and the National NCDs agenda.

Findings

NCDs week is commemorated annually throughout the country involving the five key activities. First, community awareness and participation are encouraged through media engagement and community-based preventive and advocacy activities. Second, physical activities and sports festivals are implemented with a focus on developing and renovating infrastructures for sports and recreation. Third, health education is provided in schools to promote healthy behaviors for secondary school adolescents in transition to adulthood. Fourth, health service provision and exhibitions are conducted involving screening for hypertension, diabetes, obesity, alcohol use, and physical activities. The targeted screening of NCDs identified 10% of individuals with at least one NCD in 2020. In 2021, a third of all screened individuals were newly diagnosed with hypertension, and 3% were found to have raised blood glucose levels. Fifth, the national NCDs scientific conferences conducted within the NCDs week provide an avenue for stakeholders to discuss scientific evidence related to NCDs and recommend strategies to mitigate NCDs burden.

Conclusion

The initiation of NCDs week has been a cornerstone in advocating for NCDs control and prevention in the country. It has created awareness on NCDs, encourage healthy lifestyles and regular screening for NCDs. The multi-stakeholder and multi-sectoral approaches have made the implementation of the mentioned activities feasible and impactful. This has set an example for the united efforts toward NCD control and prevention at national, regional, and global platforms while considering contextual factors during adoption and implementation.

Mitigating the Rising Burden of Non-Communicable Diseases through Locally Generated Evidence-Lessons from Tanzania

Background

The burden of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) is rapidly increasing globally, and low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) bear the brunt of it. Tanzania is no exception. Addressing the rising burden of NCDs in this context calls for renewed efforts and commitment by various stakeholders. This paper highlights local initiatives and strategies to combat NCDs in Tanzania and provides lessons for countries with similar contexts.

Methods

We reviewed published and grey literature and conducted policy analysis on NCDs in Tanzania to examine the burden of NCDs and the national response addressing it. The documents included National NCD strategic plans, NCD research agenda, and reports from the World Diabetes Foundation and the World Health Organization. Moreover, a scoping review of ongoing NCD activities and programs in other countries was also conducted to supplement the evidence gathered.

Results

The rising burden of NCDs as a result of the epidemiological transition in Tanzania called for the launching of a dedicated National NCD Control and Prevention Program. The Ministry of Health collaborates with local, national, and international partners on NCD prevention and curative strategies. This led to the development of important guidelines and policies on NCDs, including strengthening the capacity of health facilities and healthcare workers, increased community engagement and awareness of NCDs, and increased advocacy for more resources in NCD initiatives. Strong governmental commitment has been vital; this is demonstrated by a renewed commitment to the fight through national NCD week and related advocacy activities conducted annually. To ensure multi-stakeholders' engagement and political commitment, all these activities are coordinated at the Prime Minister's office and provide strong lessons for countries with contexts similar to Tanzania.

Conclusion

Multi-stakeholders' engagement, innovative approaches, and coordinated governmental efforts to address NCDs have shone a light on addressing the burden of NCDs and may be sustainable if aligned with locally available resources. Such initiatives are recommended for adoption by other nations to address the burdens of NCDs.

Acceptability of using mobile Health (mHealth) as an intervention tool for people with drug use disorders in Tanga, Tanzania

Evidence on the additional benefit in treatment and recovery process among PWDUD using digital health interventions is lacking. This study aimed to describe the acceptability of using a digital intervention to increase information access for PWDUD in Tanga region, Tanzania. This study was conducted among 465 participants in Tanga, a coastal region on the Northeast of Tanzania has the second highest number of PWDUD in Tanzania. This cross-sectional descriptive study used both quantitative and qualitative approaches. The majority of the PWDUD 67.6% do not own mobile phones. Out of the 156 participants with mobile phones, only 6.4% owned a smartphone. Most of the participants, 83.6%, reported living with someone who owns a mobile phone. Importantly, a significant number of participants, 98.5% from both areas showed readiness to use mobile phones to access information about the harmful use of substance and substance use disorder treatment options. Participants described how mobile phones can be useful to them in accessing information related to treatment and access to treatment options. The findings of this study helped to inform the target audience for the developed Huru App that should not be only PWDUD but the community at large.

Community-based transport system in Shinyanga, Tanzania: A local innovation averting delays to access health care for maternal emergencies

In achieving the sustainable development goal 3.1, Tanzania needs substantial investment to address the three delays which responsible for most of maternal deaths. To this end, the government of Tanzania piloted a community-based emergency transport intervention to address the second delay through m-mama program. This study examined secondary data to determine the cost-effectiveness of this intervention in comparison to the standard ambulance system alone. The m-mama program was implemented in six councils of Shinyanga region. The m-mama program data analyzed included costs of referral services using the Emergency Transportation System (EmTS) compared with the standard ambulance system. Analysis was conducted using Microsoft Excel, whose data was fed into a TreeAge Pro Healthcare 2022 model. The cost and effectiveness data were discounted at 5% to make a fair comparison between the two systems. During m-mama program implementation a total of 989 referrals were completed. Of them, 30.1% used the standard referral system using ambulance, while 69.9% used the EmTS. The Emergency transport system costed USD 170.4 per a completed referral compared to USD 472 per one complete referral using ambulance system alone. The introduction of m-mama emergency transportation system is more cost effective compared to standard ambulance system alone in the context of Shinyanga region. Scaling up of similar intervention to other regions with similar context and burden of maternal mortality may save cost of otherwise normal emergency ambulance system. Through lessons learned while scaling up, the intervention may be improved and tailored to local challenges and further improve its effectiveness.

Towards sustainable emergence transportation system for maternal and new born: Lessons from the m-mama innovative pilot program in Shinyanga, Tanzania

Maternal mortality comprises about 10% of all deaths among women of reproductive age (15-49 years). More than 90% of such deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC). In this study, we aimed to document lessons learnt and best practices toward sustainability of the m-mama program for reducing maternal and newborn mortality in Tanzania. We conducted a qualitative study from February to March 2022 in Kahama and Kishapu district councils of Shinyanga region. A total of 20 Key Informant Interviews (KII) and four Focused Group Discussions (FGDs) were conducted among key stakeholders. The participants included implementing partners and beneficiaries, Community Care groups (CCGs) facilitators, health facility staff, drivers and dispatchers. We gathered data on their experience with the program, services offered, and recommendations to improve program sustainability. We based the discussion of our findings on the integrated sustainability framework (ISF). Thematic analysis was conducted to summarize the results. To ensure the sustainability of the program, these were recommended. First, active involvement of the government to complement community efforts, through the provision and maintenance of resources including a timely and inclusive budget, dedicated staff, infrastructure development and maintenance. Secondly, support from different stakeholders through a well-coordinated partnership with the government and local facilities. Third, continued capacity building for implementers, health care workers (HCWs) and community health workers (CHWs) and community awareness to increase program trust and services utilization. Dissemination and sharing of evidence and lesson learnt from successful program activities and close monitoring of implemented activities is necessary to ensure smooth, well-coordinated delivery of proposed strategies. Considering the temporality of the external funding, for successful implementation of the program, we propose a package of three key actions; first, strengthening government ownership and engagement at an earlier stage, secondly, promoting community awareness and commitment and lastly, maintaining a well-coordinated multi-stakeholder' involvement during program implementation.

Feasibility and sustainability of a school-based platform for integrated delivery of HPV vaccination with adolescent health services in Tanzania: qualitative insights from stakeholders

To meet lofty human papillomavirus (HPV) immunization goals in Tanzania, the Ministry of Health integrated HPV vaccination with adolescent health services using a school-based approach. A qualitative study was conducted in June-July 2021, examining the feasibility and sustainability of an integrated service package, HPV Plus. In-depth interviews with 46 programme implementers (i.e. health-care workers and teachers) and planning stakeholders (i.e. government officials and school administrators) in Dar es Salaam and Njombe Regions explored enablers and constraints to HPV Plus programme implementation, including resource and staffing requirements. Two facilitators and three barriers to HPV Plus feasibility and sustainability were identified from thematic analysis of interviews. Interviewed stakeholders emphasized the programme's feasibility, especially if the efficiencies offered by a school-based platform were optimized. Implementation facilitators included (1) optimized service delivery efficiency through a school-based platform and (2) resources saved by combining adolescent health services and HPV immunization into a single programme package. Key barriers to HPV Plus feasibility and sustainability were (1) time, space and resource constraints (e.g. commodity stockouts and challenges delivering the complete service package to large cohorts of students within allotted times); (2) human resource gaps and increased workloads within the health workforce and (3) insufficient referral mechanisms linking schools to health facilities. Scaling up HPV Plus will require proactive commodity procurement and security; resource mobilization to reach ambitious service delivery targets and close co-ordination of programme implementation with school administrators.

The role of community pharmacies in early detection of suspected COVID-19 cases in 2020: lessons from Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Tanzania reported its first COVID-19 case on 16 March 2020. We conducted event-based surveillance of COVID-19 suspect cases among pharmacy clients presenting with respiratory symptoms and influenza-like illness to increase early and rapid detection of COVID-19 cases and mitigate transmission. We conveniently sampled 103 pharmacies from Dar es Salaam, the epicentre for the COVID-19 pandemic in Tanzania at the time. Between 23 April 2020 and 18 May 2020, 67% of the pharmacies (69/103) reported an observed increase in the number of clients presenting with respiratory symptoms and influenza-like illness compared with the 1 month before the COVID-19 outbreak. In the 1-month surveillance period, the participating pharmacies recorded 75 alerts of COVID-19 suspect cases and referred all suspected COVID-19 cases to rapid response teams for additional symptomatic screening and SARS-CoV-2 testing. A key implementation challenge was that some clients identified as COVID-19 suspected cases were hesitant to provide follow-up information for linkage to rapid response teams. Addressing concerns among drug dispensers in the participating pharmacies and informing them of the benefits of the surveillance activity were important implementation components. Our approach demonstrates the overall feasibility of rapidly implementing an event-based surveillance system for an emerging health threat through an existing network of pharmacies within the community. The approach and tools used in this surveillance activity could be adapted in similar settings to detect and generate alerts of disease outbreaks in the community that other surveillance systems may otherwise miss.

Acceptability of an integrated school-based HPV vaccination program within two districts of Tanzania: A qualitative descriptive study

Tanzania has one of the highest cervical cancer incidence and mortality rates in sub-Saharan Africa. The Tanzanian Ministry of Health developed an integrated adolescent health program, HPV-Plus, that combines HPV vaccination with additional health services: nutritional assessments, vision screening, and vaccination for adolescent girls, and education for all genders. This qualitative descriptive study evaluated the acceptability of the HPV-Plus program in two districts in Tanzania. Key informants comprising of adolescent girls, parents, program planners, and program implementers in Njombe and Dar es Salaam Tanzania were interviewed to assess the program acceptability. Transcripts were analyzed using a team-based iterative thematic analysis approach, consisting of both inductive and deductive coding. The Theoretical Framework of Acceptability was used to guide analysis, with themes categorized according to theoretical constructs of intervention coherence, affective attitudes and perceptions, and perceived effectiveness. Overall acceptability of the HPV-Plus program was high among stakeholders. The most salient finding regarding factors that influenced HPV vaccine acceptability was largely related to education and knowledge levels surrounding the HPV, cervical cancer, and HPV vaccines. The educational component of the HPV-Plus program was key in increasing acceptability. Parents reported the lowest acceptability towards the program. This was found to be primarily due to perceptions of not being sufficiently engaged throughout program implementation. Increasing acceptability of HPV vaccination programs among key stakeholders is critical to facilitating vaccine uptake and meeting vaccination coverage targets. Our results demonstrate that the inclusion of a comprehensive education component within the HPV-Plus program was key in facilitating HPV vaccine acceptability amongst stakeholders.

Drug use and associated factors in a North Eastern region of Tanzania: a cross-sectional study

INTRODUCTION

Tanzania has experienced an increase in the number of people who use drugs (PWUDs) and people who inject drugs (PWIDs). Understanding the characteristics of PWUDs is crucial to addressing the increasing burden of drug use in Tanzania. This study was set to examine drug use and its related factors among PWUDs in a North Eastern region of Tanzania.

METHODS

a cross-sectional study conducted among 481 PWUDs in Tanga region, Tanzania. R statistical language was used for analysis and plotting. Logistic regression was performed to establish associations between knowledge and practice scores with drug use. A p-value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

people who inject drugs comprised mostly of male (97.5%) and those with primary level education (71.1%). About three in four PWUDs had poor knowledge and practices towards drug use. Factors associated with adequate knowledge and practices towards drug use included residing in urban setting (aOR: 0.47, 95% CI; 0.29 - 0.74, p=0.001) while low level of education and use of drugs for less than 10 years were independent predictors for poor practices.

CONCLUSION

drug use poses a significant threat among male and individuals with low education in Tanga region. Poor knowledge and practices towards drug use was more pronounced among rural and lowly educated PWUDs. Owing to variabilities of predictors, tailored and innovative interventions are needed to curb this growing drug use and associated effects in Tanga and other settings with similar contexts.

Assessment of Implementation of Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance and Antimicrobial Stewardship Programs in Tanzanian Health Facilities a Year After Launch of the National Action Plan

Introduction: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a current global health threat and a challenge to the treatment of infectious diseases. The WHO advocates a strategy of antibiotic stewardship programs (ASP) in optimizing antimicrobial use in hospitals. This study aimed at assessing the existence of AMR surveillance and ASP implementation in health facilities in Tanzania in the year following the launch of the National Action Plan (NAP).

Methodology: From December 2017 through July 2018, a descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted using a structured questionnaire administered online. A total of 199 health facilities in Tanzania mainland whose contacts was obtained from the Ministry of Health Community Development Gender Elderly and Children (MoHCDGEC) were reached by phone and thereafter, a survey was sent via text or e-mail to focal persons in the corresponding facilities.

Results: Only 39 (32.5%) responses from contacted facilities were received and analyzed. Thirty (76.9%) of the facilities were government-owned. Of the 39 respondents surveyed, 13 (35.9%) declared to have implemented some sort of coordinated ASP to promote the rational use of antimicrobials at their facilities. The respondents reported the presence of guidelines for the implementation of ASP at variable proportions, whereas the presence of a committee for Infection Prevention and Control was reported by 27 (69.2%). Twenty-four (61.5%) had a Medical and Therapeutic Committee. Although all 39 (100%) respondents were aware of the presence of AMR in Tanzania, only 26 (66.7%) were aware of the presence of the Tanzanian NAP for AMR. Hospital antibiotic policy document was present in 6 (15.4%) facilities. Only 7 (17.9%) facilities conducted prescription auditing; 9 (23.1%) had a hospital formulary; 14 (35.9%) had standard hospital prescription. 9 (23.1%) had software for data storage about AMR. Only 7 (17.9%) facilities conducted microorganisms' susceptibility tests and kept the record of the microorganism susceptibility testing.

Conclusion: Our study found the existence of AMR surveillance activities and ASP implementation in Tanzania, albeit at a low level. The implementation was inconsistent across the surveyed facilities. These data have identified areas of improvement in addressing AMR in Tanzania through the NAP.