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The successful establishment of diabetes clinics at all regional hospitals in Tanzania under the WDF-funded project "Diabetes clinics" has laid the foundation for further improving the quality of diabetes care in the country.
Diabetes clinics have been established at 25 out of 26 regional hospitals in Tanzania. However, health care capacity to address diabetes at primary health care level remains very limited.
With an estimated prevalence rate at 5.6% among the adult population, it is becoming increasingly important to strengthen this capacity.
Objective
The project aims to strengthen the quality of diabetes care from primary to tertiary level and to raise public awareness of diabetes, its risk factors and prevention in Mwanza Region in Northern Tanzania.
Approach
Improved diabetes care from primary to tertiary level has been identified as a key priority area by the regional and district level health policy makers in Mwanza Region. The health authorities have requested the Tanzania Diabetes Association's expert assistance to carry out the task.
In addition to the WDF funding, the project receives substantial financial support from the Danish International Development Assistance, Danida.
The project is fully integrated into the public health system as diabetes care capacity will be strengthened in the existing health structures and facilities. The process will be guided by the Mwanza regional and district medical team.
The elements in the project range from delivery of the necessary information to policy makers, awareness campaigns and training of health care personnel. The steps include:
- Determining baseline data to provide policy makers with appropriate data for efficient planning and budgeting
- Bringing diabetes care to the primary care level and strengthening secondary and tertiary levels
- Establishing appropriate and effective referral system from primary over secondary to tertiary level
- Strengthening community awareness and involvement in the process to enable early diagnosis and prevention of diabetes and its complications
Diabetes clinics for early diagnosis and basic diabetes care will be established at the main district health facility in each of the 7 districts in the Mwanza Region.
5-day training courses will be conducted for a total of 42 health care professionals - 6 from each clinic. Repeat training of the same staff will be done after approximately 1 year for high impact.
Training courses will also be conducted for a total of 24 staff at the secondary and tertiary care levels. The focus at these courses will be on advanced management of diabetes and its major complications. As at the primary care level, repeat courses will be conducted at these levels.
Furthermore, awareness campaigns in the form of community meetings, posters, leaflets, exhibitions and radio programmes and spots will be implemented.
Expected impact
- 3 million people exposed to the awareness campaigns
- 66 health care personnel for 13 clinics trained in basic and advanced diabetes care
- Updated prevalence data to be used by policy makers and planners
- Improved access to proper care at the primary health care level
- Increased rate of early diagnosis
- Access to competent and affordable care
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