Diabetes, with its complications, is one of Tanzania's most important non-communicable diseases. A 1997 study indicated a diabetes prevalence of close to 6% in Dar es Salaam. The prevalence rate for Tanzania is estimated at 2.3%. As in the rest of Africa, this rate is expected to increase in the coming years.At present, diabetes is managed in only a few locations. The necessary infrastructure for a trained workforce, equipment and drugs is unavailable at most levels. As a result, a large number of diabetes patients remain unattended. Those who do receive treatment often receive poor and inadequate treatment.Late diagnosis of diabetes is a common problem in Tanzania - among others, due to low awareness of diabetes among health personnel and the public. Therefore, the rate of diabetic complications is high.The project aims to improve access to and raise the quality of diabetes care in Tanzania.
Initially, four regional hospitals where diabetes services are non-existent will be supported by the project. These are:• Mtwara - Southern part of Tanzania• Rukwa - South Western part of Tanzania• Kigoma - Western part of Tanzania• Musoma - Northern part of TanzaniaAfter establishing clinics at the regional level, the project aims for similar clinics to be found at the district level.Training of health care providers is a central element of the project. This will help improve the availability and quality of diabetes care in Tanzania. Training workshops focus on preventing and controlling diabetes and its complications.The trainees will also be asked to complete the treatment manuals for their work. Active participation in the development of manuals and guidelines increases the level of their subsequent use.Upon completion of training, each member of the regional personnel will be provided with a start-up kit containing the essential equipment and drugs for diabetes care. They will return to their regional hospitals and start the clinics. The aim is to ensure minimum standards of care.Free treatment will be provided to those unable to pay from revenue generated by paying patients. The overall goal is to establish diabetes clinics at each of the 20 regional hospitals in Tanzania and provide district clinics to the extent possible. This will facilitate access to diabetes care for the majority of the population.The initial goal of 20 regional clinics has been realised through fundraising activities conducted by the World Diabetes Foundation. To date, funds are available for 19 additional clinics, bringing the total to 23. In addition, outside of this project, the Venice Diabetes Association supports five clinics. This has allowed for 8 district clinics.The local branch of the Tanzania Diabetes Association will be involved and established where none exists. This allows interaction with the diabetes clinic, people with diabetes and the general public.
• Four diabetes clinics were established at regional hospitals in Musoma, Kigoma, Lindi and Songea• 19 additional diabetes clinics were established through WDF fundraising• 23 doctors/clinical officers, 46 nurses and 23 laboratory technicians were trained on management of diabetes and complications