PRIVATE HEALTH FACILITIES DETERMINE TO FIGHT TB

Tuberculosis (TB) is one of the top 10 causes of death worldwide. In 2015, 10.4 million people fell ill with TB and 1.8 million died from the disease (including 0.4 million among people with HIV). Over 95% of TB deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries of which Tanzania is one of them. (Source WHO)

Private health facilities owner conducting a group discussion during the sensitization meeting held in Katavi

The Benjamin W. Mkapa Foundation (BMF) in collaboration with Save the Children Organization under Global Fund to Fight against AIDs, TB and Malaria is implementing a TB/HIV project which aims to support the Government of Tanzania efforts in reducing TB incidence by 25% and Leprosy by 50% by 2020. The project is implemented in 4 regions which are Katavi, Rukwa, Tabora and Kigoma.

In ensuring the intended project’s objectives are achieved BMF has deployed a number of strategies, among them is the involvement of private health facilities to assist in diagnosing TB patients. The Foundation has organized a one day sensitization meeting in….and 22 private health facilities owner from Katavi, Rukwa & Kigoma attended the meeting.  The meeting mobilized them to start providing TB services in their facilities.

Kidudu A. Kidudu conducting a session during the sensitization meeting with 22 owners of private health facilities held in Katavi

Dr. Theophile N. Kali, the facility in-charge of GSDI health center – Mpanda MC. His facility is among the many other private owned facilities that are not providing TB diagnosis services. He is among 22 private facilities owners who attended the sensitization session from Katavi, Rukwa and Kigoma.

Giving his feedback after the session, Dr. Theophile said that, the meeting is very good opportunity and personally I am happy to be part of it. I am grateful for the knowledge I have acquired during the sessions which has enlighted me about my contributing in eliminating TB in Tanzania. 

“I urge all my fellow owners of health facilities to start TB diagnosis services in their facilities, as we also have a role in this fight”, said Dr. Theophile.

BMF under Save the Children through Global fund will continue to work closely with the Regional Health Management teams to ensure that these private facilities are supplied with essential commodities like reagents for TB diagnosis and as well as capacitated with knowledge through mentoring sessions. BMF is intending to leave no any TB case unidentified and ensure a healthy community.

A group photo of Private health facilities owners during the sensitization meeting with 22 owners of private health facilities organized by BMF held in Katavi.