The project aims to assess the burden of diabetes and other NCD’s, and establish the need for a national NCD policy and program. The project will assess the knowledge, attitude, practices and behaviour with regard to diabetes, its complications and other NCD’s, as well as strengthen and expand services for diabetes care with capacity building being central to whole project.
The main activity of the project is to conduct a national survey to assess the disease burden using the WHO STEP wise approach and an electronic data registry. The survey will provide estimation of the prevalence of NCD risk-factors, pre-diabetes hypertension and diabetes mellitus in Zanzibar. Data collection will be used as capacity building for the establishment of a national surveillance system that as far as possible will be incorporated in the national demographic and health survey conducted every 6 years. An assessment of current NCD services together with a review of current NCD data and sources, and existing policies and structures will be conducted for a systematic needs assessment and to identify and implement actions to address unmet needs and improve care delivery.A qualitative study with regard to knowledge on diabetes cause, risk factors, symptoms etc. among community members and an assessment of knowledge, attitudes and practice among health workers will be conducted. The results will be disseminated at the Ministry of Health and will provide input for development of practical and comprehensive training courses.The project will adapt and implement the WHO-PEN (Package of Essential NCD Intervention for Primary Health Care en Low-Resource Settings) based on the context and needs of Zanzibar.The objectives of the project will be achieved through:- Capacity building based on development of context specific continuing learning programs for primary health care workers building on existing resource and available material addressing the gaps identified in the survey.- Reclassification of clinics and levels of care based on the assessment of current available services and equipping clinics at district hospitals according to need.- Community sensitisation and actions for NCDs using the same approach as the existing collaboration with community health committees on communicable diseases.- Development of a simple national guideline for diagnosing, treating and controlling NCD’s based on a review of existing material.- Refresher course for deployed staff to ensure up to date knowledge as well as management of new equipment before the project ends.The project will be completely integrated into the national health system and constitutes a major component of the national NCD plan, Health Sector Reform and Strategy for poverty reduction and economic growth. Therefor capacity at central level will be strengthened to ensure successful management and a national programme coordinator will be employed.
- 3,300 people screened for diabetes- 214 health care professionals health care professionals trained in management of diabetes and other NCDs- 49 clinics at primary care level and referral level provided equipment and capacity building - More than 3,600 people living with diabetes accessed care at established clinics- Members of district health management teams trained in NCD supervision and monitoring - Awareness raising activities reached estimated more than 530,000 people- New Zanzibar NCD strategy prepared and released