U.S. CDC Supports Digital Health in Tanzania

Dar es Salaam – The U.S. government is supporting Tanzania’s efforts to use digital health to improve clinical care and real-time monitoring of people living with HIV and those at high risk of contracting the virus. As part of this support, today the U.S Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), through the U.S President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) has handed over computers, software, and networking equipment to be used at four zonal laboratories in mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar.

 

The donation, valued at more than 1 billion Tanzania shillings (USD $430,317), consists of hardware and software, including heavy-duty servers, computers, data storage devices, uninterrupted power systems, operating systems, computer applications, antivirus software, and other networking equipment. These items will be distributed to improve the effectiveness of information and communication technology equipment at Bugando Medical Center, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Center, and Mbeya Zonal Referral Hospital.

 

The equipment was provided as part of the HIV/Tuberculosis Health Information Systems Strengthening project, implemented by PATH through support from CDC/PEPFAR. 

 

The handover ceremony took place at NIMR headquarters and was officiated by Professor Abel Makubi, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, mainland Tanzania and Dr. Mahesh Swaminathan, CDC Tanzania Country Director. 

 

"I am extremely appreciative of our partners' continued dedication to collaborating with us to improve health outcomes for the people of Tanzania”. Prof. Abel Makubi, Permanent Secretary of the Tanzania mainland Ministry of Health, stated,

 

The ministry of health in collaboration with the U.S government and other partners has made substantial investments in zonal laboratories, upgrading and maintenance of the laboratory equipment is required for the proper functions and provisional of expected results. This equipment support will ensure that referral laboratories perform to required standards and that people receive accurate results from samples and tests taken at the facilities.

 

"We applaud and appreciate the Government of Tanzania commitment in combating HIV and Tuberculosis (TB). U.S government through CDC focuses on strengthening the core public health systems, healthcare systems, and workforce. CDC is committed to continue working with the Tanzanian government and we hope that the support will ensure that diagnostic equipment at the four zonal laboratories will further boost the laboratories’ capacity to provide standardized data and results.” said Dr. Mahesh, CDC Tanzania Country Director.

 

PATH, through funding from CDC/PEPFAR, is working in collaboration with the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania through the Ministries of Health in both mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar to support the development, integration, maintenance, and strengthening of digital health tools. This critical benchmark is being met through concrete investment and improvements in data quality and availability in health information systems, as well as increased in-country technical and laboratory capacity.

 

“Through the HIV/TB Health Information Systems Strengthening project, PATH with support from CDC is working with the Government and other partners to develop, scale, and maintain efficient laboratories; roll out digital technologies; improve data use; and that every health worker is equipped to detect, track, and treat sick patients; and that precious health resources are directed where they are most needed," said Amos Mugisha, Country Director of PATH Tanzania.

 

“PATH will continue to leverage technology innovatively to strength the laboratory information systems in supporting high-quality patient-centered clinical services, improve data quality, and use at all levels of the healthcare care system through efficient and interoperable systems," said Dr Henry Mwanyika HIV-TB Health Information System Strengthening Initiative - Project Director.