Expand expertise and capacity to monitor and prevent NCDs
Chronic diseases account for 20% of deaths in Tanzania, and that rate is expected to increase by 33% over the next decade. Long a pioneer in Africa in infectious disease surveillance, Tanzania’s National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR) recognizes the growing burden of these non-communicable conditions in Tanzania – many of which are preventable – and is laying the groundwork for a sustainable control effort.A key challenge is the capacity to collect data on chronic diseases and risk factors that governments need to set priorities and evaluate programs. Science-based planning increases the likelihood of successful disease control and enhances the ability to generate funding and sustain programs. IANPHI is filling this gap by providing peer assistance and limited financial resources for Tanzania to expand its expertise and capacity in the field of non-communicable diseases. A first step is determining which conditions are most common and obtaining other information that can form the basis for prevention programs. NIMR is conducting a facility-based assessment in two communities, and IANPHI is supporting evaluation of that effort, laying the groundwork for establishment of a science-based national program.
NIMR is working in partnership with the Ministry of Health and the Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences. THL, the IANPHI member institute in Finland, is providing technical assistance and support, including analysis of government policies (such as on tobacco use) that contribute to or work against high rates of noncommunicable diseases.
Since initiation of this NPHI development project, enthusiasm for conducting noncommunicable disease surveillance and control in Tanzania has continued to grow. The result is an expanded IANPHI project, with longer-term support to NIMR and partners.
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