Implementation of distance learning IMCI training in rural districts of Tanzania.

BACKGROUND: The standard face-to-face training for the integrated management of childhood illness (IMCI) continues to be plagued by concerns of low coverage of trainees, the prolonged absence of trainees from the health facility to attend training and the high cost of training. Consequently, the distance learning IMCI training model is increasingly being promoted to address some of these challenges in resource-limited settings. This paper examines participants' accounts of the paper-based IMCI distance learning training programme in three district councils in Mbeya region, Tanzania. METHODS: A cross-sectional qualitative descriptive design was employed as part of an endline evaluation study of the management of possible serious bacterial infection in Busokelo, Kyela and Mbarali district councils of Mbeya Region in Tanzania. Key informant interviews were conducted with purposefully selected policymakers, partners, programme managers and healthcare workers, including beneficiaries and training facilitators. RESULTS: About 60 key informant interviews were conducted, of which 53% of participants were healthcare workers, including nurses, clinicians and pharmacists, and 22% were healthcare administrators, including district medical officers, reproductive and child health coordinators and programme officers. The findings indicate that the distance learning IMCI training model (DIMCI) was designed to address concerns about the standard IMCI model by enhancing efficiency, increasing outputs and reducing training costs. DIMCI included a mix of brief face-to-face orientation sessions, several weeks of self-directed learning, group discussions and brief face-to-face review sessions with facilitators. The DIMCI course covered topics related to management of sick newborns, referral decisions and reporting with nurses and clinicians as the main beneficiaries of the training. The problems with DIMCI included technological challenges related to limited access to proper learning technology (e.g., computers) and unfriendly learning materials. Personal challenges included work-study-family demands, and design and coordination challenges, including low financial incentives, which contributed to participants defaulting, and limited mentorship and follow-up due to limited funding and transport. CONCLUSION: DIMCI was implemented successfully in rural Tanzania. It facilitated the training of many healthcare workers at low cost and resulted in improved knowledge, competence and confidence among healthcare workers in managing sick newborns. However, technological, personal, and design and coordination challenges continue to face learners in rural areas; these will need to be addressed to maximize the success of DIMCI.

National introduction of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine in Tanzania: Programmatic decision-making and implementation.

BACKGROUND: Cervical cancer is the leading cause of cancer among women in Tanzania, with approximately 10,000 new cases and 7,000 deaths annually. In April 2018, the Government of Tanzania introduced 2 doses of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine nationally to adolescent girls to prevent cervical cancer, following a successful 2-year pilot introduction of the vaccine in the Kilimanjaro Region. METHODS: We interviewed key informants at the national level in Tanzania from February to November 2019, using a semi-structured tool to better understand national decision-making and program implementation. We conducted a comprehensive desk review of HPV vaccine introduction materials and reviewed administrative coverage data. RESULTS: Ten key informants were interviewed from the Ministry of Health, Community Development, Gender, Elderly, and Children, the World Health Organization, and other partners, and HPV vaccine planning documents and administrative coverage data were reviewed during the desk review. Tanzania introduced HPV vaccine to a single-age cohort of 14-year-old girls, with the decision-making process involving the Tanzania Immunization Technical Advisory Group and the national Interagency Coordination Committee. HPV vaccine was integrated into the routine immunization delivery strategy, available at health facilities and through outreach services at community sites, community mobile sites (>10 km from the health facility), and primary and secondary schools. Pre-introduction activities included trainings and microplanning workshops for health workers and school personnel at the national, regional, council, and health facility levels. Over 6,000 health workers and 22,000 school personnel were trained nationwide. Stakeholder and primary health care committee meetings were also conducted at the national level and in each of the regions as part of the advocacy and communication strategy. Administrative coverage of the first dose of HPV vaccine at the end of 2019 was 78%, and second dose coverage was 49%. No adverse events following HPV vaccination were reported to the national level. DISCUSSION: Tanzania successfully introduced HPV vaccine nationally targeting 14-year-old girls, using routine delivery strategies. Continued monitoring of vaccination coverage will be important to ensure full 2-dose vaccination of eligible girls. Tanzania can consider periodic intensified vaccination and targeted social mobilization efforts, as needed.