Pilot deployment of a community health care worker in distributing and offering the COVID-19 AgRDT in Tanzania.

A pilot implementation of the rapid diagnostic test program was performed to collect evidence of the feasibility, acceptability, and uptake of the COVID-19 AgRDT in Tanzania. We conducted a prospective cross-sectional study in the community to provide quantitative details of the pilot implementation of the antigen rapid diagnostic test (AgRDT) in Tanzania. This study was undertaken between March 2022 and September 2022. The pilot was implemented by distributing and offering test kits to people suspected of having COVID-19 in Dar es Salaam through community health workers. A total of 1039 participants consented to participate in the survey. All the participants reported having heard about the disease. The radio was the main source (93.2%) of information on COVID-19. With regard to prevention measures, approximately 930 (89.5%) of the respondents thought that COVID-19 could be prevented. Approximately 1035 (99.6%) participants reported that they were willing to have a COVID-19 AgRDT test and wait for 20 min for the results. With regard to the participants' opinions on the AgRDT device, the majority 907 (87.3%) felt comfortable with the test, and 1,029 (99.0%) were very likely to recommend the AgRDT test to their friends. The majority of participants 848 (83.1%) mentioned that they would be willing to pay for the test if it was not available for free. The results suggest overall good acceptance of the COVID-19 AgRDT test. It is evident that the use of trained community healthcare workers allows easy screening of all possible suspects and helps them receive early treatment.

Tanzania's first Marburg Viral Disease outbreak response: Describing the roles of FELTP graduates and residents.

Viral Haemorrhagic Fever Outbreak presents a significant public health threat, requiring a timely, robust, and well-coordinated response. This paper aims to describe the roles of the Tanzania Field Epidemiology and Laboratory Training Program (TFELTP) graduates and residents in responding to Tanzania's first Marburg Viral Disease (MVD) outbreak. We performed a secondary data analysis using a range of documents, such as rosters of deployed responders and the TFELTP graduate and resident database, to count and describe them. Additionally, we conducted an exploratory textual analysis of field deployment reports and outbreak situational reports to delineate the roles played by the residents and graduates within each response pillar. A total of 70 TFELTP graduates and residents from different regions were involved in supporting the response efforts. TFELTP graduates and residents actively participated in several interventions, including contact tracing and follow up, sensitising clinicians on surveillance tools such as standard case definitions, alert management, supporting the National and Kagera Regional Public Health Emergency Operations Centres, active case search, risk communication, and community engagement, coordination of logistics, passenger screening at points of entry, and conducting Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) assessments and orientations in 144 Health Facilities. The successes achieved and lessons learned from the MVD response lay a foundation for sustained investment in skilled workforce development. FELTP Training is a key strategy for enhancing global health security and strengthening outbreak response capabilities in Tanzania and beyond.

Evaluation of the Universal Salt Iodization (USI) surveillance system in Tanzania, 2022.

BACKGROUND: The evaluation of surveillance systems has been recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) to identify the performance and areas for improvement. Universal salt iodization (USI) as one of the surveillance systems in Tanzania needs periodic evaluation for its optimal function. This study aimed at evaluating the universal salt iodization (USI) surveillance system in Tanzania from January to December 2021 to find out if the system meets its intended objectives by evaluating its attributes as this was the first evaluation of the USI surveillance system since its establishment in 2010. The USI surveillance system is key for monitoring the performance towards the attainment of universal salt iodization (90%). METHODOLOGY: This evaluation was guided by the Center for Disease Control Guidelines for Evaluating Public Health Surveillance Systems, (MMWR) to evaluate USI 2021 data. The study was conducted in Kigoma region in March 2022. Both Purposive and Convenient sampling was used to select the region, district, and ward for the study. The study involved reviewing documents used in the USI system and interviewing the key informants in the USI program. Data analysis was done by Microsoft Excel and presented in tables and graphs. RESULTS: A total of 1715 salt samples were collected in the year 2021 with 279 (16%) of non-iodized salt identified. The majority of the system attributes 66.7% had a good performance with a score of three, 22.2% had a moderate performance with a score of two and one attribute with poor performance with a score of one. Data quality, completeness and sensitivity were 100%, acceptability 91.6%, simplicity 83% were able to collect data on a single sample in < 2 minutes, the system stability in terms of performance was >75% and the usefulness of the system had poor performance. CONCLUSION: Although the system attributes were found to be working overall well, for proper surveillance of the USI system, the core attributes need to be strengthened. Key variables that measure the system performance must be included from the primary data source and well-integrated with the Local Government (district and regions) to Ministry of Health information systems.

Understanding Sociodemographic Factors and Reasons Associated with COVID-19 Vaccination Hesitance among Adults in Tanzania: A Mixed-Method Approach.

Although studies on COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy are being undertaken widely worldwide, there is limited evidence in Tanzania. This study aims to assess the sociodemographic factors associated with COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and the reasons given by unvaccinated study participants. We conducted a mixed-method cross-sectional study with two components-health facilities and communities-between March and September 2022. A structured questionnaire and in-depth interviews were used to collect quantitative and qualitative data, respectively. A total of 1,508 individuals agreed to participate in the survey and explained why they had not vaccinated against COVID-19. Of these participants, 62% indicated they would accept the vaccine, whereas 38% expressed skepticism. In a multivariate regression analysis, adult study participants 40 years and older were significantly more likely to report not intending to be vaccinated (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 1.28; 95% CI, 1.01-1.61; P = 0.04) than youth and middle-aged study participants between 18 and 40 years. Furthermore, female study participants had a greater likelihood of not intending to be vaccinated (AOR, 1.51; 95% CI, 1.19-1.90; P = 0.001) than male study participants. The study identified fear of safety and short-term side effects, and lack of trust of the COVID-19 vaccine; belief in spiritual or religious views; and belief in local remedies and other precautions or preventive measures as the major contributors to COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in Tanzania. Further empirical studies are needed to confirm these findings and to understand more fully the reasons for vaccine hesitancy in different demographic groups.

Aflatoxicosis outbreak and its associated factors in Kiteto, Chemba and Kondoa Districts, Tanzania.

Tanzania had experienced hundreds of cases of aflatoxicosis in the districts of Kiteto, Chemba, and Kondoa for the three consecutive years since 2016. Cases may end up with liver cancer. Aflatoxin-induced liver cancer had resulted in the demise of roughly three persons per 100,000 in the country during the same year, 2016. We investigated to characterize the latest outbreak of 2019 and identify its risk factors. This case-control study enrolled all patients presented with acute jaundice of unknown origin and laboratory test results confirmed an acute liver injury with or without abdominal pain, distension, vomiting, or fever during the period of June to November 2019 and had epidemiological link with cases confirmed with Aflatoxin-B1-Lysine. Adjusted odds ratios (AOR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were used to identify independent factors associated with aflatoxicosis. We analyzed 62 cases with median age of 7 years (0.58-50 years) and 186 controls with median age of 24 years (range 0.42-55) with onset of symptoms ranging from 1st June 2019 to 16th July 2019. Case-parents had higher serum aflatoxin-B1-lysine adduct concentrations than did controls; 208.80 ng/mg (n = 45) vs. 32.2 ng/mg (n = 26); p<0.01. Storing foods at poor conditions (AOR 5.49; 95% CI 2.30-13.1), age <15 years (AOR 4.48; 95% CI 1.63-12.3), chronic illness (AOR 3.05; 95% CI 1.19-7.83) and being male (AOR 2.31; 95% CI 1.01-5.30) were significantly associated with the disease, whereas cleaning foods before milling decreased the risk of getting the disease by 88% (AOR 0.12; 95% CI 0.05-0.29). According to the results, the outbreak resulted from a globally highest-ever recorded aflatoxin-B1-lysine that originated from a common source. To prevent future outbreaks, it is crucial to store and clean food crops safely before milling. We recommend strict regulations and enforcement around aflatoxin levels in food products.

The quality of malaria case management in different transmission settings in Tanzania mainland, 2017-2018.

Tanzania is undergoing an epidemiological transition for malaria transmission with some areas of the country having <10% (hypoendemic) and other areas 10% - 50% malaria prevalence (mesoendemic). It is not known whether there is a difference in the quality of malaria case management based on endemicity in Tanzania mainland. We examined the influence of endemicity on the quality of malaria case management at health facilities. We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of 1713 health facilities in Tanzania mainland, using data collected by the National Malaria Control Program through an assessment tool to evaluate quality of malaria case management. The data was gathered from September 2017 to December 2018. Using standard quality factors, mean scores from facilities in the different endemicity regions were compared by a Student's t-test. Simple and multiple linear regression analyses were performed to determine the association between facility performance (score) and endemicity (mesoendemic vs. hypoendemic). Facilities in mesoendemic regions scored higher than those in hypoendemic regions on the overall quality of services [difference in mean scores ([Formula: see text]) = 2.52; (95% Confidence Interval (CI) 1.12, 3.91)], site readiness [[Formula: see text] = 2.97; (95% CI 1.30, 4.61)], availability of malaria reference materials [[Formula: see text] = 4.91; (95% CI 2.05, 7.76)], availability of Health Management Information System tools [[Formula: see text] = 5.86; (95% CI 3.80, 7.92)] and patient satisfaction [[Formula: see text] = 6.61; (95% CI 3.75, 9.48)]. Predictors associated with lower facility scores included; being located in a hypoendemic region [ß: -2.49; (95% CI -3.83, -1.15)] and urban area [ß: -3.84; (95% CI -5.60, -2.08)]. These findings highlight the differences in quality of malaria case management based on endemicity, but there is still a need to target improvement efforts in underperforming facilities, regardless of endemicity.

Coverage, Apparent Consumption, and Monthly Use of Packaged Maize Flour in Morogoro Region, Tanzania.

INTRODUCTION: Tanzania aimed to reduce micronutrient deficiencies and neural tube defects by introducing mandatory fortification of large-scale packaged wheat and maize flour but not for small- and medium-scale mills. OBJECTIVES: Ascertain the proportion of the population in Morogoro region, Tanzania, that consumes packaged maize flour from small-, medium- and large-mills; and understand the impact of monthly apparent purchase and consumption of packaged flour. METHODS: In 2018, a regional, multistage cluster probability study was conducted among residents in Morogoro region living in households that reported consuming maize flour. Interviews collected information on sociodemographic factors and patterns of household flour consumption. Weighted medians estimated daily apparent flour consumption and the estimated average requirement (EAR), according to age. RESULTS: Information was collected on 711 households. Packaged maize flour was purchased 10-12 months of the year by 22.9% of households, 6-9 months by 17.6% of households, 1-5 months by 25.1% of households, and 34.4% did not purchased maize flour. Median apparent daily consumption of maize flour was 209.7 g/d/adult male equivalent (AME). Apparent median daily consumption of maize flour was 230.1 g/d/AME in rural areas and 176.2 g/d/AME in urban areas; 228.7 g/d/AME among males and 196.4 g/d/AME among females. If all packaged maize flour were fortified according to standards, those consuming packaged maize flour 10-12 months of the year would apparently consume 199.9 µg folic acid/d representing 49.7% of daily EAR requirements. CONCLUSIONS: Fortifying packaged maize flour at small-, medium- and large-mills is a promising strategy for increasing access to micronutrients, including folic acid.

Humoral Immune Responses following COVID-19 Vaccinations among Adults in Tanzania.

COVID-19 vaccination remains to be the most important intervention in the fight against the pandemic. The immunity among the vaccinated population and its durability can significantly vary due to various factors. This study investigated the humoral immune responses among individuals who received any of the COVID-19 vaccines approved for use in Tanzania. A total of 1048 randomly selected adults who received COVID-19 vaccines at different time points were enrolled and humoral immune responses (IR) were tested at baseline and three months later (960, 91.6%). The level of SARS-CoV-2 anti-spike/receptor binding domain (RBD) IgG, anti-nucleocapsid IgG, and IgM antibodies were determined using a commercially available chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay. Descriptive data analysis was performed using STATA version 18 and R. At baseline, serum IgG against anti-spike/RBD was detected in 1010/1048 (96.4%) participants (95%CI: 94.9-97.5) and 98.3% (95%CI: 97.3-99) three months later. The IgG against the SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid proteins were detected in 40.8% and 45.3% of participants at baseline and follow-up, respectively. The proportion of seroconverters following vaccination and mean titers of anti-spike/RBD antibodies were significantly more among those who had past SARS-CoV-2 infection than in those with no evidence of past infection, (p < 0.001). Only 0.5% of those who had detectable anti-spike/RBD antibodies at baseline were negative after three months of follow-up and 1.5% had breakthrough infections. The majority of participants (99.5%) had detectable anti-spike/RBD antibodies beyond 6 months post-vaccination. The proportion of Tanzanians who mounted humoral IR following COVID-19 vaccination was very high. Seroconversions, as well as the mean titers and durability of humoral IR, were significantly enhanced by exposure to natural SARS-CoV-2 infection. In view of the limited availability of COVID-19 vaccines as well as challenges to completing subsequent doses, booster doses could only be suggested to high-risk groups.

Factors affecting compliance with infection prevention and control standard precautions among healthcare workers in Songwe region, Tanzania.

Background: Compliance with infection prevention and control standard precautions (IPCSPs) remains a major challenge in many countries including Tanzania. Lack of compliance exposes healthcare workers (HCWs) and patients to a high risk of developing healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) including antimicrobial-resistant microorganisms which can contribute to the spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). This study investigated compliance with IPCSPs and associated factors among HCWs in public healthcare facilities (HFs) in Songwe Region, Tanzania between January and March 2021. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in all 5 districts in Songwe Region, involved 400 HCWs from difference healthcare facilities (HFs) including dispensaries, health centres and hospitals. The Compliance with Standard Precautions scale (CSPS) tool developed by WHO was used. Descriptive and modified Poisson regression analysis was done. A P-value of less than 0.05 indicated statistical significance. Results: Only 22.5% (90/400) of HCWs had high compliance (above 80%) to IPCSPs. The majority of HCWs reported highest compliance on discarding used needles/sharps into sharps containers (94%), the lowest IPCSPs compliance was for the correct handling of spills, taking a shower after extensive splashing and not re-using disposable masks, 8%, 28.5% and 34% respectively. Attending IPC training or an IPC seminar in the previous year (ARR=2.97 [1.87-4.72] P<0.001), the number of years of work experience (ARR=2.08 [1.22-3.54] P=0.007), and having experienced a needlestick injury (ARR=0.62 [0.40-0.95] P=0.028), were identified as predictors of HCWs compliance with IPCSPs. Conclusion: The majority of HCWs in Songwe region had low compliance with IPCSPs according to national standards. IPC training and the number of years of work experience predicted high compliance with IPCSPs. Capacity building initiatives, mentorship and supportive supervision should be emphasised for all HCWs in all HFs.

Predictors of loss to follow up from antiretroviral therapy among adolescents with HIV/AIDS in Tanzania.

Access to Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) is threatened by the increased rate of loss to follow-up (LTFU) among adolescents on ART care. We investigated the rate of LTFU from HIV care and associated predictors among adolescents living with HIV/AIDS in Tanzania. A retrospective cohort analysis of adolescents on ART from January 2014 to December 2016 was performed. Kaplan-Meier method was used to determine failure probabilities and the Cox proportion hazard regression model was used to determine predictors of loss to follow up. A total of 25,484 adolescents were on ART between 2014 and 2016, of whom 78.4% were female and 42% of adolescents were lost to follow-up. Predictors associated with LTFU included; adolescents aged 15-19 years (adjusted hazard ratio (aHR): 1.57; 95% Confidence Interval (CI); 1.47-1.69), having HIV/TB co-infection (aHR: 1.58; 95% CI, 1.32-1.89), attending care at dispensaries (aHR: 1.12; 95% CI, 1.07-1.18) or health center (aHR: 1.10; 95% CI, 1.04-1.15), and being malnourished (aHR: 2.27; 95% CI,1.56-3.23). Moreover, residing in the Lake Zone and having advanced HIV disease were associated with LTFU. These findings highlight the high rate of LTFU and the need for intervention targeting older adolescents with advanced diseases and strengthening primary public facilities to achieve the 2030 goal of ending HIV as a public health threat.

Preliminary investigation and intervention of the suspected plague outbreak in Madunga, Babati District-Tanzania.

BACKGROUND: Rodents are known to be reservoirs of plague bacteria, Yesinia pestis in the sylvatic cycle. A preliminary investigation of the suspected plague outbreak was conducted in Madunga Ward, Babati District Council in Manyara Region December-2019-January 2020 Following reported two cases which were clinically suspected as showing plague disease symptoms. METHOD: The commensal and field rodents were live trapped using Sherman traps in Madunga Ward, where plague suspect cases were reported and, in the Nou-forest reserve areas at Madunga Ward, Babati District Council, to assess plague risk in the area. Fleas were collected inside the houses using light traps and on the rodents 'body after anaesthetizing the captured rodent to determine flea indices which are used to estimate the risk of plague transmission. Lung impression smears were made from sacrificed rodents to examine for possible bipolar stained Yersinia spp bacilli. RESULTS: A total of 86 rodents consisting of ten rodent species were captured and identified from the study sites. Nine forest rodent species were collected. Field/fallow rodent species were dominated by Mastomys natalensis. whereas domestic rodent species captured was Rattus rattus. Overall lung impression smear showed bipolar stain were 14 (16.28%) while House Flea Index (HFI) was 3.1 and Rodent Flea Index (RFI) was 1.8. CONCLUSION: The findings of this study have shown that, the presence of bipolar stained bacilli in lung impression smears of captured species of rodents indicates (not confirmed) possible circulation of Yesrsinia pests in rodents and the high flea indices in the area which included the most common flea species known to be plague vectors in Tanzania could have played transmission role in this suspected outbreak. The study recommends surveillance follow-up in the area and subject collected samples to the standard plague confirmatory diagnosis.

Compliance to infection prevention and control interventions for slowing down COVID-19 in early phase of disease transmission in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

Introduction: on 16th March 2020, Tanzania announced its first COVID-19 case. The country had already developed a 72-hour response plan and had enacted three compulsory infection prevention and control interventions. Here, we describe public compliance to Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) public health measures in Dar es Salaam during the early COVID-19 response and testing of the feasibility of an observational method. Methods: a cross sectional study was conducted between April and May 2020 in Dar es Salaam City. At that time, Dar es Salaam was the epi centre of the epidemic. Respondents were randomly selected from defined population strata (high, medium and low). Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and through observations. Results: a total of 390 subjects were interviewed, response rate was 388 (99.5%). Mean age of the respondents was 34.8 years and 168 (43.1%) had primary level education. Out of the 388 respondents, 384 (98.9%) reported to have heard about COVID-19 public health and social measures, 90.0% had heard from the television and 84.6% from the radio. Covering coughs and sneezes using a handkerchief was the most common behaviour observed among 320 (82.5%) respondents; followed by hand washing hygiene practice, 312 (80.4%) and wearing face masks, 240 (61.9%). Approximately 215 (55.4%) adhered to physical distancing guidance. Age and gender were associated with compliance to IPC measures (both, p<0.05). Conclusion: compliance to public health measures during the early phase of COVID-19 pandemic in this urban setting was encouraging. As the pandemic continues, it is critical to ensure compliance is sustained and capitalize on risk communication via television and radio.

Mortality and associated factors among adult patients on tuberculosis treatment in Tanzania: A retrospective cohort study.

INTRODUCTION: Tuberculosis (TB) is the global leading cause of death from an infectious agent. Tanzania is among the 30 high TB burden countries with a mortality rate of 47 per 100,000 population and a case fatality of 4%. This study assessed mortality rate, survival probabilities, and factors associated with death among adult TB patients on TB treatment in Tanzania. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted utilizing case-based national TB program data of adult (≥15 years) TB cases enrolled on TB treatment from January 2017 to December 2017. We determined survival probabilities using the Kaplan-Meier estimator and a Cox proportional hazard model was used to identify independent risk factors of TB mortality. Hazard ratios and their respective 95% confidence intervals were reported. RESULTS: Of 53,753 adult TB patients, 1927 (3.6%) died during TB treatment and the crude mortality rate was 6.31 per 1000 person-months. Male accounted for 33,297 (61.9%) of the study population and the median (interquartile range [IQR]) age was 40 (30-53) years. More than half 1027 (56.7%) of deaths occurred in first two months of treatment. Overall survival probabilities were 96%, and 92% at 6th and 12th month respectively. The independent risk factors for TB mortality among TB patients included: advanced age ≥ 45 years (adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) = 1.74, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.45-2.08); receiving service at the hospital level (aHR = 1.22, 95% CI = 1.09-1.36); TB/HIV co-infection (aHR = 2.51, 95% CI = 2.26-2.79); facility-based direct observed therapy (DOT) option (aHR = 2.23, 95% CI = 1.95-2.72); having bacteriological unconfirmed TB results (aHR = 1.58, 95% CI = 1.42-1.76); and other referral type (aHR = 1.44, 95% CI = 1.16-1.78). CONCLUSION: Advanced age, TB/HIV co-infection, bacteriological unconfirmed TB results, other referral types, receiving service at facility-based DOT option and obtaining service at the hospital level were significant contributors to TB death in Tanzania. Appropriate targeted intervention to improve TB referral systems, improve diagnostic capacity in the primary health facilities, minimize delay and misdiagnosis of TB patients might reduce TB mortality.

Addressing the workforce capacity for public health surveillance through field epidemiology and laboratory training program: the need for balanced enhanced skill mix and distribution, a case study from Tanzania.

INTRODUCTION: Skill mix refers to the range of professional development and competencies, skills and experiences of staff within a particular working environment that link with specific outcome while responding to client needs. A balanced skill-mix and distribution of core human resources is important to strengthen decision-making process and rapid responses. We analysed graduates´ information of the Tanzania Field Epidemiology and Laboratory Training Program (TFELTP) between 2008-2016, distribution of skill-mix and the surveillance workforce-gaps within regions. METHODS: Trainees´ data of nine cohorts enrolled between 2008 and 2016 were extracted from the program database. Distribution by sex, region and cadres/profession was carried out. An indicator to determine enhanced-skill mix was established based on the presence of a clinician, nurse, laboratory scientist and environmental health officer. A complete enhanced skill-mix was considered when all four were available and have received FELTP training. RESULTS: The TFELTP has trained 113 trainees (male=71.7%), originated from 17 regions of Tanzania Mainland (65.4% of all) and Zanzibar. Clinicians (34.5%) and laboratory scientists (38.1%) accounted for the most recruits, however, the former were widely spread in regions (83% vs. 56%). Environmental health officers (17.7%) were available in 39% of regions. The nursing profession, predominantly lacking (6.2%) was available in 22% of regions. Only two regions (11.7%) among 17 covered by TFELTP presented complete skill-mix, representing 7.7% of Tanzanian regions. Seven regions (41%) had an average of one trainee. CONCLUSION: The TFELTP is yet to reach the required skill-mix in many regions within the country. The slow fill-rate for competent and key workforce cadres might impede effective response. Strategies to increase program awareness at subnational levels is needed to improve performance of surveillance and response system in Tanzania.

Factors affecting uptake of ≥ 3 doses of Sulfadoxine-Pyrimethamine for malaria prevention in pregnancy in selected health facilities, Arusha region, Tanzania.

BACKGROUND: Tanzania adopted the revised World Health Organization policy in 2013 recommending a minimum of ≥3 doses of Intermittent Preventive Treatment during pregnancy with Sulfadoxine-Pyrimethamine (IPTp-SP) to protect against malaria. A study in Tanzania in 2014 reported low (9%) uptake. We investigated health workers knowledge about IPTp-SP and factors that influenced uptake of > 3 doses of IPTp-SP among pregnant women. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study in 2017 among post-delivery women and health care workers from nine randomly-selected public health facilities in three Districts of Arusha Region. Probability proportional to size methodology was used to determine number of participants per facility. We used a structured questionnaire to collect socio-demographic and obstetric data, information on doses of SP received, and knowledge of SP for IPTp. Health care workers were interviewed about their knowledge for IPTp- SP and challenges encountered in its uptake and use. RESULTS: We interviewed 556 persons (median age 26 years, range 16-42 years) with the response rate of 99.3%. Of these, 484 (87.1%) had > 3 Antenatal Care (ANC) visits. A total of 402 (72.3%) were multigravida with 362 (65.1%) having given birth at least once. Of the 556 participants, 219 (39.4%) made their first ANC booking at < 17 weeks of pregnancy and 269 (48.4%) had received > 3 doses of SP-IPTp. Factors associated with uptake of > 3 doses of IPTp-SP included having secondary or higher education [Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) =1.6, 95%CI 1.1-2.4], attending ≥4 ANC visits [AOR = 3.1, 95%CI 2.1-4.6], having first antenatal booking at < 17 weeks [AOR = 1.8, 95%CI 1.4-2.3], and adequate knowledge on IPTp-SP [AOR = 2.7, 95%CI 1.9-3.9]. Among 36 health care workers interviewed, 29(80.6%) had adequate knowledge about IPTp-SP. SP was available in seven (87.5%) of the visited health facilities and was administered under Direct Observed Therapy (DOT) in six (75%) facilities. Health care workers reported that stock outs of SP was a challenge. CONCLUSIONS: Fewer than half of the women interviewed reported uptake of > 3 doses of IPTp-SP. That is below the Tanzania national target of 80%. Making > 4 ANC visits, having secondary or higher education, making an early first ANC visit and having adequate knowledge on IPTp-SP promoted uptake of > 3 doses. Further qualitative studies are needed to explore factors that might contribute to low uptake of SP.

Awareness and factors associated with reported intake of folic acid-fortified flour among women of reproductive age in Ifakara, Morogoro region, Tanzania: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Folic acid fortification of staple foods has been in place in many countries for over two decades. Studies have shown that folic acid fortification can significantly reduce incidence of neural tube defects. Tanzania adopted a mandatory fortification policy for commercially-produced wheat and maize flour in 2011. We determined factors influencing intake of folic acid-fortified flour among women of reproductive age (WRA). METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study among WRA during March-April 2017 in Ifakara Town Council, Morogoro region. Multistage cluster sampling was used to select study participants. We used a questionnaire to capture information on demographics, awareness of folic acid, awareness of existence of folic acid fortified flour in community and intake of folic acid fortified flour. Intake was defined as reported consumption of folic acid fortified flour products at least once within 7 days before interview. Univariate, bivariate, and multivariable logistic analyses were done to evaluate factors associated with intake of folic acid fortified flour. RESULTS: The median age of the 698 participating WRA was 30 years (range: 18-49). Awareness of folic acid and folic acid fortified flour was 6.9% (95% CI: 5.2-9.0%) and 7.5% (95% CI: 5.7-9.6%), respectively. Consumption of folic acid fortified flour was 63.3% (95% CI: 59.7-66.8%). Independent factors associated with intake included being employed (aOR = 1.91; 95% CI: 1.19-3.06), having no children (nulliparity) (aOR = 2.59; 95% CI: 1.36-4.95) or having 1-4 children (aOR = 1.98; 95% CI: 1.17-3.33) (vs. 5 or more children), and folic acid awareness (aOR = 2.53; 95% CI: 1.30-4.92). CONCLUSION: Folic acid fortified flour was used by most respondents in our study despite low awareness of existence of folic acid fortified flour in the community. Being employed, having fewer than five children, and folic acid awareness were independent factors associated with intake. We recommend scaling up of mandatory flour fortification program and doing further studies on blood folate level among women of reproductive age in Ifakara to assess fortification program effectiveness.

Investigating a paralytic shellfish poisoning in Gando Village, Wete District, Tanzania, July 2015.

The investigation of foodborne outbreaks requires a multi-disciplinary set of skills. Frequently, foodborne-related outbreaks are poorly investigated due to lack of all required skills on the part of the investigators. This case study, based on a shellfish poisoning outbreak investigation conducted in Wete, Zanzibar in July 2015 by the Tanzania Field Epidemiology Training Program (TFETP), seeks to reinforce principles and skills in foodborne outbreak investigation. It is primarily intended for training public health practitioners in a classroom setting. Facilitating this case study should take approximately 3 hours.

Cholera Mortality during Urban Epidemic, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, August 16, 2015-January 16, 20161.

In 2015, a cholera epidemic occurred in Tanzania; most cases and deaths occurred in Dar es Salaam early in the outbreak. We evaluated cholera mortality through passive surveillance, burial permits, and interviews conducted with decedents' caretakers. Active case finding identified 101 suspected cholera deaths. Routine surveillance had captured only 48 (48%) of all cholera deaths, and burial permit assessments captured the remainder. We interviewed caregivers of 56 decedents to assess cholera management behaviors. Of 51 decedents receiving home care, 5 (10%) used oral rehydration solution after becoming ill. Caregivers reported that 51 (93%) of 55 decedents with known time of death sought care before death; 16 (29%) of 55 delayed seeking care for >6 h. Of the 33 (59%) community decedents, 20 (61%) were said to have been discharged from a health facility before death. Appropriate and early management of cholera cases can reduce the number of cholera deaths.

Male partner involvement in the prevention of mother to child transmission of HIV infection in Mwanza Region, Tanzania.

INTRODUCTION: Globally, there are 3.3 million children < 15 years of age living with HIV infection. About 95% of HIV infected children have acquired infection from their mothers. Although new pediatric HIV infection in Tanzania has declined by 48% and Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission (PMTCT) coverage of highly active anti-retroviral therapy (HAART) has increased to 77%, the MTCT rate remains high (15%). Poor male partner involvement in PMTCT services is one of the factors contributing to reduced effectiveness of the PMTCT and hence failure to achieve the elimination of maternal to child transmission of HIV. This study examined the predictors of male involvement in PMTCT services in Mwanza Region, Tanzania from perspectives of the mother. METHODS: A cross sectional study involving selected health facilities was conducted in Mwanza urban from October 2013 through January 2014. HIV positive pregnant women attending ante-natal clinic (ANC) were interviewed using a semi structured questionnaire. Univariate analysis was used to describe the study respondents where bivariate and logistic regression was used to determine predictors of male involvement. RESULTS: A total of 300 HIV positive mothers attending ANC with the mean age of 27.5 + 5.6 were interviewed. Few mothers (24.7%) had their male partners involved in PMTCT. Predictors of male partner involvement in PMTCT were mothers being proactive (Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) 28.6; Confidence Interval (CI) 7-116), perceived partners knowledge on PMTCT (AOR 24.6, CI 5.9-102.8), exposure to TV/Radio announcements on PMTCT (AOR 4.6, CI 1.5-14) and married status of the mother (AOR 3.7, CI 1.5-9). Mothers who never wanted to be escorted by their male partners and busy partners were associated with reduced odds of male involvement into PMTCT (AOR 0.07, CI 0.007-0.68) and (AOR 0.46 CI 0.21-0.99) respectively. Male partner involvement was associated with 98% reduced odds of violence (Crude Odds Ratio 0.018 CI 0.002-0.14). CONCLUSION: Male partner involvement in PMTCT is still low in Mwanza Region. Proactive mothers, partner's knowledge on PMTCT and announcements from television/radio were the major facilitating factors for male involvement in PMTCT as perceived by mothers. Busy male partners and mothers who did not want to be escorted by their partners were a hindrance to male involvement in PMTCT services. These factors highlight the importance of women role in promotion of PMTCT male involvement.

Cholera outbreak in Homa Bay County, Kenya, 2015.

Cholera is among the re-emerging diseases in Kenya. Beginning in December 2014, a persistent outbreak occurred involving 29 out of the 47 countries. Homa Bay County in Western Kenya was among the first counties to report cholera cases from January to April 2015. This case study is based on an outbreak investigation conducted by FELTP residents in Homa Bay County in February 2015. It simulates an outbreak investigation including laboratory confirmation, active case finding, descriptive epidemiology and implementation of control measures. This case study is designed for the training of basic level field epidemiology trainees or any other health care workers working in public health-related fields. It can be administered in 2-3 hours. Used as adjunct training material, the case study provides the trainees with competencies in investigating an outbreak in preparation for the actual real-life experience of such outbreaks.