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Only about 30% of people with diabetes in Tanzania have access to affordable treatment and health education.
According to the Ministry of Health in Tanzania, the private health sector caters for 45% of all health care in the country; and 60% of all primary care in urban areas.
As a result, the Association of Private Hospitals in Tanzania has taken the initiative to implement in 80 private health facilities the diabetes clinic model developed and implemented by the Tanzanian Diabetes Association throughout the public health care system with WDF funding (WDF02-031, WDF05-102 and WDF07-265). This would greatly strengthen access to care and proper information on prevention and management of diabetes.
Objective
The project aims to improve access to diabetes care and prevention through the private health sector.
Approach
The project is coordinated by the Association of Private Hospitals in Tanzania (APHTA) and is in line with the Tanzanian National Policy on NCD, which states that the government will involve and work with the private health sector to treat and control NCD.
During a 4 day training program the project seeks to train 320 health care providers from 80 private health facilities in the care and treatment of diabetes. The training programme also involves imparting knowledge and skills on dietary management of non-communicable diet-related diseases to health care providers.
The 320 health care providers will be composed of 160 nurses, 80 clinicians and 80 laboratory technicians. Upon completion of the training, the health facility teams are equipped with relevant diagnostic tools and educational material. This will enable them to establish clinics for early diagnosis and prevention of complications.
3 diabetes educators will receive special training that will enable them to support the facilities and to ensure that the objectives of the project are adhered to.
Awareness on diabetes is raised through health education to the community and in schools. This component includes production and distribution of educational materials, training of primary school teachers and establishment of school nutrition and health clubs.
Children will receive free diagnostic services in order to encourage early detection of diabetes. Additionally, nurses will be trained in proper health education to mothers attending maternal and child care clinics.
Looking to initiate a network of diabetes care and treatment centres in Tanzania, 3 centres of excellence will be established for referral of patients for specialised care. The location of the centres will be in the Dar es Salaam, Northern and Lake zones. These centres of excellence will be equipped with biochemistry analysers, diagnostic tools and educational materials.
Collaboration between the private and public health facilities will be close, not least for referral of complicated cases.
Expected impact
- 320 health care personnel from 80 private health facilities trained in delivery of care and education to people with diabetes
- Improved access to diabetes care for an estimated number of 3 million people living close to the private health facilities
- Early detection of diabetes in pregnant and nursing mothers
- Improved knowledge, attitude and practice regarding diabetes and healthy lifestyles in the community and schools
- Establishment of a referral system with 3 new centres of excellence
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