Diabetes Preparedness in Tanzania

Abstract

This report is aimed at assessing T2DM preparedness in Tanzania. The report is based on field studies conducted in 5 representative regions in Tanzania as well as in-depth analyses of interviews conducted with 27 stakeholders in the healthcare system. Literature review and desk research of government documents was also used to further inform the analyses. The national diabetes program has been successful in training health workers. The establishment of diabetes clinics has reached all regions of the country thus making it highly scalable. Predictable funding from the World Diabetes Foundation allowed for a smooth implementation with leadership from the Tanzania Diabetes Association (TDA) providing technical expertise. The TDA has managed to use its lobbying power to put diabetes on the national agenda. However, challenges still remain. The main themes of these challenges can be understood using three pillars namely, Information Failure, Financing and Integration. While efforts to educate the public are currently underway, the Tanzania Diabetes Association has the opportunity to make further impact in effectively launching a public awareness campaign, spearheading preventative efforts and in lobbying the government and donor agencies to make policy changes that would improve information flow, resource allocation and integration of the diabetes program in the health system.