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Abstract Introduction Over the past two decades, Tanzania’s burden of non-communicable diseases has grown disproportionately, but limited resources are still prioritized. A trained human resource for health is urgently needed to combat these diseases. However, continuous medical education for NCDs is scarce. This paper reports on the mid-level healthcare workers knowledge on NCDs. We assessed the knowledge to measure the effectiveness of the training conducted during the initiation of a Package for Essential Management of Severe NCDs (PEN Plus) in rural district hospitals in Tanzania. Methods The training was given to 48 healthcare employees from Dodoma Region’s Kondoa Town Council District Hospital. For a total of five (5) days, a fundamental course on NCDs featured in-depth interactive lectures and practical workshops. Physicians from Tanzania’s higher education institutions, tertiary university hospitals, research institutes, and medical organizations served as trainers. Before and after the training, a knowledge assessment comprising 28 questions was administered. Descriptive data analysis to describe the characteristics of the specific knowledge on physiology, diagnosis and therapy of diabetes mellitus, rheumatic fever, heart disease, and sickle cell disease was done using Stata version 17 (STATA Corp Inc., TX, USA). Results Complete assessment data for 42 out of the 48 participants was available. Six participants did not complete the training and the assessment. The mean age of participants was 36.9 years, and slightly above half (52%) were above 35 years. Two-thirds (61.9%) were female, and about half (45%) were nurses. The majority had the experience of working for more than 5 years, and the average was 9.4 years (+/- 8.4 years). Overall, the trainees’ average scores improved after the training (12.79 vs. 16.05, p

Objectives Diabetes care remains unavailable and unaffordable for many people. Adapting models of care to low-income and middle-income country contexts is a priority. Digital technology offers substantial potential yet must surmount health system, technological and acceptability issues. This formative research aimed to identify the potential for a digital technology solution (Diabetes Compass) to address diabetes care gaps in primary healthcare.Design Qualitative research was conducted in selected districts of Sri Lanka and Tanzania with practitioners, patients and family members. In-depth interviews assessed how digital solutions may improve diabetes care, acceptability and usability; contextual and clinical observations identified practitioner clinical competencies, strengths and weaknesses, and the influence of the care environment on service delivery; and workshop discussions explored strategies to encourage digital solution uptake and sustain use.Setting The research was undertaken in 2022 at nine health facilities in Sri Lanka’s Southern Province (Galle), and 16 health facilities in Tanzania’s Lindi and Pwani Regions.Participants Participants included primary and secondary care practitioners, facility managers, patients and family members.Results There was striking concordance in the diabetes care gaps and potential for digital solutions in the two countries, and between practitioners, patients and family members. Five main gaps were practitioner training; health information systems and data; service delivery; infrastructure, equipment and medication; and community awareness and knowledge. Practitioners, patients and family members saw strong potential for digital solutions to improve early detection, diagnosis, secondary prevention of complications and improve patients’ and families’ experience of living with diabetes. They identified specific design and implementation considerations to enable the Diabetes Compass to realistically meet these needs and overcome challenges.Conclusion There was a strong appetite among practitioners, patients and family members for a digital solution to strengthen diabetes care. Their experience of challenges and practical recommendations informed the Diabetes Compass design.

Abstract Background Data for latent tuberculosis in patients with type 1 Diabetes in Africa is limited. We assessed the prevalence of latent tuberculosis in youth and children with type 1 Diabetes in Dar es Salaam –Tanzania. Methods Our cross-sectional study recruited children and youth with T1DM by stage of puberty, glycaemic control, and age at diagnosis from January to December 2021 in Dar es Salaam. Participants were screened for the presence of latent Tuberculosis using the QuantiFERON test. A positive test was considered to have latent TB. Results Of the 281 participants, the mean age was 19 (± 6) years, 51.2% were female, and 80.8% had either a primary or secondary level of education at baseline. The prevalence of latent TB was 14.9% and was slightly higher in females (52.4%) than in males. This difference, however, was insignificant (p > 0.05). On the other hand, the proportion of latent TB was significantly higher in uncontrolled HbA1c levels (76.2%) than in those with controlled HbA1c (23.8%) [p = 0.046]. Duration of diabetes and age at diagnosis did not affect the occurrence of latent Tuberculosis [p > 0.05]. Meanwhile, in the regression model, participants with latent TB were more likely to have uncontrolled HbA1c. [p = 0.045] Conclusions Despite the methodological limitations, this survey highlights the high prevalence of latent TB among children and youth with diabetes; shouting for better control. These results clearly show the need to screen for Tuberculosis in children and youth with diabetes and start them on prevention as per protocol, especially in tuberculosis-endemic areas like Tanzania.

Aims Development of non-invasive and minimally invasive glucose monitoring devices (NI-MI-GMDs) generally takes place in high-income countries (HICs), with HIC’s attributes guiding product characteristics. However, people living with diabetes (PLWD) in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs) encounter different challenges to those in HICs. This study aimed to define requirements for NI-MI-GMDs in LMICs to inform a target product profile to guide development and selection of suitable devices.Methods This was a multiple-methods, exploratory, qualitative study conducted in Kyrgyzstan, Mali, Peru and Tanzania. Interviews and group discussions/activities were conducted with healthcare workers (HCWs), adults living with type 1 (PLWD1) or type 2 diabetes (PLWD2), adolescents living with diabetes and caregivers.Results Among 383 informants (90 HCW, 100 PLWD1, 92 PLWD2, 24 adolescents, 77 caregivers), a range of differing user requirements were reported, including preferences for area of glucose measurement, device attachment, data display, alert type and temperature sensitivity. Willingness to pay varied across countries; common requirements included ease of use, a range of guiding functions, the possibility to attach to a body part of choice and a cost lower than or equal to current glucose self-monitoring.Conclusions Ease-of-use and affordability were consistently prioritised, with broad functionality required for alarms, measurements and attachment possibilities. Perspectives of PLWD are crucial in developing a target product profile to inform characteristics of NI-MI-GMDs in LMICs. Stakeholders must consider these requirements to guide development and selection of NI-MI-GMDs at country level, so that devices are fit for purpose and encourage frequent glucose monitoring among PLWD in these settings.

Background: Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) arise from diverse risk factors with differences in the contexts and variabilities in regions and countries. Addressing such a complex challenge requires local evidence. Tanzania has been convening stakeholders every year to disseminate and discuss scientific evidence, policies, and implementation gaps, to inform policy makers in NCDs responses. This paper documents these dissemination efforts and how they have influenced NCDs response and landscape in Tanzania and the region. Methods: Desk review was conducted through available MOH and conference organizers’ documents. It had both quantitative and qualitative data. The review included reports of the four NCDs conferences, conference organization, and conduct processes. In addition, themes of the conferences, submitted abstracts, and presentations were reviewed. Narrative synthesis was conducted to address the objectives. Recommendations emanated from the conference and policy uptake were reviewed and discussed to determine the impact of the dissemination. Findings: Since 2019, four theme-specific conferences were organized. This report includes evidence from four conferences. The conferences convened researchers and scientists from research and training institutions, implementers, government agencies, and legislators in Tanzania and other countries within and outside Africa. Four hundred and thirty-five abstracts were presented covering 14 sub-themes on health system improvements, financing, governance, prevention intervention, and the role of innovation and technology. The conferences have had a positive effect on governments’ response to NCDs, including health care financing, NCDs research agenda, and universal health coverage. Conclusion: The National NCDs conferences have provided suitable platforms where stakeholders can share, discuss, and recommend vital strategies for addressing the burden of NCDs through informing policies and practices. Ensuring the engagement of the right stakeholders, as well as the uptake and utilization of the recommendations from these platforms, remains crucial for addressing the observed epidemiological transition in Tanzania and other countries with similar contexts.

Background: Five million people die every year from non-communicable diseases (NCDs) globally. In Tanzania, more than two-thirds of deaths are NCD-related. The country is investing in preventive and advocacy activities as well as interventions to reduce the burden. Of particular interest, the Ministry of Health (MoH) commemorates NCDs’ week using a multisectoral and multi-stakeholders’ approach. This paper highlights activities conducted during NCDs week with the aim of sharing lessons for other countries with similar context and burdens. Methods: A thorough review of official reports and the national strategic plans for NCDs was done including the 2020 and 2021 National NCDs’ week reports, the National Strategic Plan for NCDs 2015–2020, and the National NCDs agenda. Findings: NCDs week is commemorated annually throughout the country involving the five key activities. First, community awareness and participation are encouraged through media engagement and community-based preventive and advocacy activities. Second, physical activities and sports festivals are implemented with a focus on developing and renovating infrastructures for sports and recreation. Third, health education is provided in schools to promote healthy behaviors for secondary school adolescents in transition to adulthood. Fourth, health service provision and exhibitions are conducted involving screening for hypertension, diabetes, obesity, alcohol use, and physical activities. The targeted screening of NCDs identified 10% of individuals with at least one NCD in 2020. In 2021, a third of all screened individuals were newly diagnosed with hypertension, and 3% were found to have raised blood glucose levels. Fifth, the national NCDs scientific conferences conducted within the NCDs week provide an avenue for stakeholders to discuss scientific evidence related to NCDs and recommend strategies to mitigate NCDs burden. Conclusion: The initiation of NCDs week has been a cornerstone in advocating for NCDs control and prevention in the country. It has created awareness on NCDs, encourage healthy lifestyles and regular screening for NCDs. The multi-stakeholder and multi-sectoral approaches have made the implementation of the mentioned activities feasible and impactful. This has set an example for the united efforts toward NCD control and prevention at national, regional, and global platforms while considering contextual factors during adoption and implementation.

IntroductionIn several of the Low and Middle Income countries , many patients with Type 1 diabetes (T1D) are most probably not diagnosed at all which may contribute to their low incidence. As an example of a country with low income and poor resources, we have chosen to study T1D in children/young people in Tanzania.MethodsAnalyses of casebooks and statistics at several Tanzanian hospitals treating young patients with insulin dependent diabetes, usually Type 1 diabetes, and collection of information from different organisations such a Tanzanian Diabetes Association, Life for a Child, Changing Diabetes in Children and World Diabetes Foundation.ResultsThe incidence in several areas is low. However, a lot of data are often missing at studied clinics and therefore the incidence might be higher, and with increased awareness in recent years the number of patients has increased many-folds. Most patients present with typical symptoms and signs of T1D, and a high proportion with plausible ketoacidosis , although this proportion has decreased from about 90% to about 40% in recent decades. Many patients have poor blood glucose control, and complications often develop already after short diabetes duration. In recent years resources have increased, awareness has increased and diabetes clinics started where staff has got training.ConclusionsThere are problems with diabetes care in Tanzania but several facts give hope for the future.

Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) complications corelate with C-peptide levels. However, the C-Peptide role has not been explored in resource limited countries. This study explored the relationship between C-peptide and complications. A cross-sectional study involving participants aged 0 to 25 years with T1DM in Dar es salaam Tanzania, between 2021 and 2022 was done. Diabetes nephropathy and retinopathy were assessed. About 281 (92.4%) participants were screened, 144 (51.2%) were females. Mean age was 19 ± 6 years. Majority 175 (62.3%) had poor glycemic control (HbA1c) > 10%, and low C-Peptide level 201 (71.5%). Retinopathy was 11.7% and risk for nephropathy was 41.3%. About 13.4% and 41.8% with low C peptide had Retinopathy and high-risk nephropathy respectively. Age at diagnosis, poor glycemic control, low c peptide and duration of diabetes were associated with complications. Further prospective studies are needed to capture when complications set in, so to have better strategies to prevent complications.

Background: The burden of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) is rapidly increasing globally, and low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) bear the brunt of it. Tanzania is no exception. Addressing the rising burden of NCDs in this context calls for renewed efforts and commitment by various stakeholders. This paper highlights local initiatives and strategies to combat NCDs in Tanzania and provides lessons for countries with similar contexts. Methods: We reviewed published and grey literature and conducted policy analysis on NCDs in Tanzania to examine the burden of NCDs and the national response addressing it. The documents included National NCD strategic plans, NCD research agenda, and reports from the World Diabetes Foundation and the World Health Organization. Moreover, a scoping review of ongoing NCD activities and programs in other countries was also conducted to supplement the evidence gathered. Results: The rising burden of NCDs as a result of the epidemiological transition in Tanzania called for the launching of a dedicated National NCD Control and Prevention Program. The Ministry of Health collaborates with local, national, and international partners on NCD prevention and curative strategies. This led to the development of important guidelines and policies on NCDs, including strengthening the capacity of health facilities and healthcare workers, increased community engagement and awareness of NCDs, and increased advocacy for more resources in NCD initiatives. Strong governmental commitment has been vital; this is demonstrated by a renewed commitment to the fight through national NCD week and related advocacy activities conducted annually. To ensure multi-stakeholders’ engagement and political commitment, all these activities are coordinated at the Prime Minister’s office and provide strong lessons for countries with contexts similar to Tanzania. Conclusion: Multi-stakeholders’ engagement, innovative approaches, and coordinated governmental efforts to address NCDs have shone a light on addressing the burden of NCDs and may be sustainable if aligned with locally available resources. Such initiatives are recommended for adoption by other nations to address the burdens of NCDs.

Vaccines have played a critical role in the response to the COVID-19 pandemic globally, and Tanzania has made significant efforts to make them available to the public in addition to sensitizing them on its benefit. However, vaccine hesitancy remains a concern. It may prevent optimal uptake of this promising tool in many communities. This study aims to explore opinions and perceptions on vaccine hesitancy to better understand local attitudes towards vaccine hesitancy in both rural and urban Tanzania. The study employed cross-sectional semi-structured interviews with 42 participants. The data were collected in October 2021. Men and women aged between 18 and 70 years were purposefully sampled from Dar es Salaam and Tabora regions. Thematic content analysis was used to categorize data inductively and deductively. We found that COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy exists and is shaped by multiple socio-political and vaccine related factors. Vaccine related factors included worries over vaccine safety (e.g., death, infertility, and zombie), limited knowledge about the vaccines and fear of the vaccine's impact on pre-existing conditions. Participants also found it paradoxical that mask and hygiene mandates are expected even after vaccination, which further exacerbated their doubts about vaccine efficacy and their hesitancy. Participants possessed a range of questions regarding COVID-19 vaccines that they wanted answered by the government. Social factors included preference for traditional and home remedies and influence from others. Political factors included inconsistent messages on COVID-19 from the community and political leaders; and doubts about the existence of COVID-19 and the vaccine. Our findings suggest that the COVID-19 vaccine is beyond a medical intervention, it carries with it a variety of expectations and myths that need to be addressed in order to build trust and acceptance within communities. Health promotion messages need to respond to heterogeneous questions, misinformation, doubts, and concerns over safety issues. An understanding of country-specific perspectives toward COVID-19 vaccines can greatly inform the development of localized strategies for meaningful uptake in Tanzania.

ObjectiveThis study assessed impaired fasting glucose and associated factors among perinatally HIV-infected adolescents and youths in Dar es salaam Tanzania.BackgroundImpaired fasting glucose is a marker of heightened risk for developing type 2 diabetes among perinatally HIV-infected individuals. Therefore, identifying individuals at this stage is crucial to enable early intervention. Therefore, we assessed impaired fasting glucose (IFG) and associated factors among perinatally HIV-infected population in Dar es salaam Tanzania. MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted among 152 adolescents and youth attending HIV clinic at Muhimbili National Hospital and Infectious Disease Centre from July to August 2020. Fasting blood glucose (>8 hours) was measured using one-touch selects LifeScan, CA, USA. We also examined C-Reactive Protein and interleukin-6 inflammatory biomarkers in relation to impaired fasting glucose (IFG). Associations between categorical variables were explored using Chi-square, and poison regression with robust variance was used to calculate the prevalence ratios.ResultsOf the 152 participants, the majority were male (n=83[54.6%]), and the median age was 15(14-18) years. Overweight or obesity was prevalent in 16.4%, while more than one in ten (13.2%) had high blood pressure (≥149/90mmHg). All participants were on antiretroviral therapy (ART); 46% had used medication for over ten years, and about one in three had poor medication adherence. Among the recruited participants, 29% had impaired fasting glucose. The odds of IFG were two times higher in males compared to females (PR, 2.07, 95% CI 1.19 -3.59 p=0.001). Moreover, we found with every increase of Interleukin 6 biomarker there was a 1.01 probability increase of impaired fasting glucose (PR, 1.01, 95% CI 1.00 – 1.02 p=0.003).ConclusionAbout one in three perinatally HIV-infected youths had impaired fasting glucose in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, with males bearing the biggest brunt. Moreover, with every increase of 1.101 of the probability of having IFG increased. This calls for urgent measures to interrupt the progression to diabetes disease and prevent the dual burden of disease for this uniquely challenged population.

Abstract Background Although HIV continues to have a high prevalence among adults in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), the burden of noncommunicable diseases (NCD) such as diabetes and hypertension is increasing rapidly. There is an urgent need to expand the capacity of healthcare systems in SSA to provide NCD services and scale up existing chronic care management pathways. The aim of this study was to identify key components, outcomes, and best practice in integrated service provision for the prevention, identification and treatment of HIV, hypertension and diabetes. Methods An international, multi stakeholder e-Delphi consensus study was conducted over two successive rounds. In Round 1, 24 participants were asked to score 27 statements, under the headings ‘Service Provision’ and ‘Benefits of Integration’, by importance. In Round 2, the 16 participants who completed Round 1 were shown the distribution of scores from other participants along with the score that they attributed to an outcome and were asked to reflect on the score they gave, based on the scores of the other participants and then to rescore if they wished to. Nine participants completed Round 2. Results Based on the Round 1 ranking, 19 of the 27 outcomes met the 70% threshold for consensus. Four additional outcomes suggested by participants in Round 1 were added to Round 2, and upon review by participants, 22 of the 31 outcomes met the consensus threshold. The five items participants scored from 7 to 9 in both rounds as essential for effective integrated healthcare delivery of health services for chronic conditions were improved data collection and surveillance of NCDs among people living with HIV to inform integrated NCD/HIV programme management, strengthened drug procurement systems, availability of equipment and access to relevant blood tests, health education for all chronic conditions, and enhanced continuity of care for patients with multimorbidity. Conclusions This study highlights the outcomes which may form key components of future complex interventions to define a model of integrated healthcare delivery for diabetes, hypertension and HIV in sub-Saharan Africa.

Abstract Background Integration of health services might be an efficient strategy for managing multiple chronic conditions in sub-Saharan Africa, considering the scope of treatments and synergies in service delivery. Proven to promote compliance, integration may lead to increased economies-of-scale. However, evidence on the socio-economic consequences of integration for providers and patients is lacking. We assessed the clinical resource use, staff time, relative service efficiency and overall societal costs associated with integrating HIV, diabetes and hypertension services in single one-stop clinics where persons with one or more of these conditions were managed. Methods 2273 participants living with HIV infection, diabetes, or hypertension or combinations of these conditions were enrolled in 10 primary health facilities in Tanzania and Uganda and followed-up for up to 12 months. We collected data on resources used from all participants and on out-of-pocket costs in a sub-sample of 1531 participants, while a facility-level costing study was conducted at each facility. Health worker time per participant was assessed in a time-motion morbidity-stratified study among 228 participants. The mean health service cost per month and out-of-pocket costs per participant visit were calculated in 2020 US$ prices. Nested bootstrapping from these samples accounted for uncertainties. A data envelopment approach was used to benchmark the efficiency of the integrated services. Last, we estimated the budgetary consequences of integration, based on prevalence-based projections until 2025, for both country populations. Results Their average retention after 1 year service follow-up was 1911/2273 (84.1%). Five hundred and eighty-two of 2273 (25.6%) participants had two or all three chronic conditions and 1691/2273 (74.4%) had a single condition. During the study, 84/2239 (3.8%) participants acquired a second or third condition. The mean service costs per month of managing two conditions in a single participant were $39.11 (95% CI 33.99, 44.33), $32.18 (95% CI 30.35, 34.07) and $22.65 (95% CI 21.86, 23.43) for the combinations of HIV and diabetes and of HIV and hypertension, diabetes and hypertension, respectively. These costs were 34.4% (95% CI 17.9%, 41.9%) lower as compared to managing any two conditions separately in two different participants. The cost of managing an individual with all three conditions was 48.8% (95% CI 42.1%, 55.3%) lower as compared to managing these conditions separately. Out-of-pocket healthcare expenditure per participant per visit was $7.33 (95% CI 3.70, 15.86). This constituted 23.4% (95% CI 9.9, 54.3) of the total monthly service expenditure per patient and 11.7% (95% CI 7.3, 22.1) of their individual total household income. The integrated clinics’ mean efficiency benchmark score was 0.86 (range 0.30–1.00) suggesting undercapacity that could serve more participants without compromising quality of care. The estimated budgetary consequences of managing multi-morbidity in these types of integrated clinics is likely to increase by 21.5% (range 19.2–23.4%) in the next 5 years, including substantial savings of 21.6% on the provision of integrated care for vulnerable patients with multi-morbidities. Conclusion Integration of HIV services with diabetes and hypertension control reduces both health service and household costs, substantially. It is likely an efficient and equitable way to address the increasing burden of financially vulnerable households among Africa’s ageing populations. Additional economic evidence is needed from longer-term larger-scale implementation studies to compare extended integrated care packages directly simultaneously with evidence on sustained clinical outcomes.

There is an excessive burden of diabetes complications in low-resource settings. We conducted a systematic review to determine the nature and frequency of diabetes complications in newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. A systematic search was performed using Medline, CINAHL and Global Health online databases from inception to July 2020. Articles reporting prevalence of microvascular or macrovascular complications within six months of type 2 diabetes diagnosis and published in English or French from low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) were eligible for analysis. Data were extracted using a standardized data extraction tool. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the prevalence of micro and macrovascular complications in newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes. Assessment of heterogeneity was conducted using the inconsistency index (I2) and Cochran-Q chi2 statistical tests. Publication bias was assessed by the Funnel plot and Egger test. A total of 3 292 records underwent title or abstract screening and 95 articles underwent full text review. Thirty-three studies describing 13 283 participants (aged 20 years and older) met the inclusion criteria. The eligible studies were from Asia (n = 24), Africa (n = 4), Oceania (n = 2), South America (n = 2) and the Caribbean (n = 1). For microvascular complications, the median prevalence (interquartile range) of retinopathy, nephropathy and neuropathy were 12% (6%-15%), 15% (7%-35%) and 16% (10%25%) respectively. For macrovascular complications, the median prevalence (interquartile range) was 10% (7%-17%) for ischaemic heart disease, 6% (1%-20%) for peripheral arterial disease and 2% (1%-4%) for stroke. There was evidence of substantial heterogeneity between studies for all outcomes (I2 > 90%. We found a high prevalence of complications in newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes in LMICs. Findings suggest that many people live with diabetes and are only diagnosed when they present with complications in LMICs. Research is needed to guide timely and effective identification of people living with diabetes in these settings.

Objectives Data on the role of helminths on diabetes in Africa are limited. We investigated whether Schistosoma and geohelminth infections are associated with β-cell function and insulin resistance among adults. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among adults during 2016–2017. Demography, Schistosoma and geohelminth infections, HIV and insulin data were collected. Insulin during an oral glucose tolerance test (fasting, 30, and 120-min), overall insulin secretion index, insulinogenic index, HOMA-β, and HOMA-IR were main outcome measures for β-cell function and insulin resistance, respectively. Generalized estimating equations and generalized linear models assessed the association of Schistosoma and geohelminth infections with outcome measures separately by HIV status. Outcomes were presented as marginal means with 95% CI. Results Data were obtained for 1718 participants. Schistosoma infection was associated with higher 30-min insulin (24.2 mU/L, 95% CI: 6.9, 41.6) and overall insulin secretion index (13.3 pmol/L/mmol/L; 3.7, 22.9) among HIV-uninfected participants but with lower fasting insulin (-0.9 mU/L; -1.6, -0.2), 120-min insulin (-12.0 mU/L; -18.9, -5.1), and HOMA-IR (-0.3 mmol/L; -0.6, -0.05) among HIV-infected participants not yet on antiretroviral therapy (ART). Among HIV-infected participants not on ART, geohelminth infection was associated with lower fasting insulin (-0.9 mU/L; -1.6, -0.2), 120-min insulin (-9.1 mU/L; -17.3, -1.0), HOMA-β (-8.9 mU/L)/(mmol/L; -15.3, -2.6) and overall insulin release index (-5.1 pmol/L/mmol/L; -10.3, 0.02), although this was marginally significant. There was no association among those on ART. Conclusions Schistosoma infection was associated with higher β-cell function among HIV-uninfected participants whereas Schistosoma and geohelminth infections were associated with reduced β-cell function among HIV-infected participants not on ART.

Introduction: Although HIV continues to have a high prevalence among adults in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), the burden of noncommunicable diseases (NCD) such as diabetes and hypertension is increasing rapidly. There is an urgent need to expand the capacity of healthcare systems in SSA to provide NCD services and scale up existing chronic care management pathways. A scoping review mapped extant policy and evidence based literature on the feasibility of integrating NCD care with HIV in the region. Methods: A scoping review methodology was utilised to conduct a systematic search of peer-reviewed and grey literature published in English language and with no date limitation. A systematic search was conducted on PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, and the Cochrane library. The initial search identified 231 records considered for inclusion in this review. Twelve duplicate records were removed. The remaining 219 records were screened by title and abstract of which 165 records were excluded and 54 records were selected for full-text review. A further 16 records were excluded due to a lack of relevance or the unavailability of the full text article. Finally, 38 were charted and analysed thematically. Results: Thirty-eight studies were included. These comprised a range of different models to integrate NCD and HIV care in the region, reflecting differences in health system environments, and disease epidemiology. The studies provide a variety of evidence that integration of HIV and NCD care can be feasible and can improve clinical effectiveness and identify barriers and facilitators to integration and task shifting. The review confirms that integrated HIV and NCD care services is by-and-large feasible, being both clinically effective and cost-effective. Conclusion: The review may inform the understanding of how best to develop an integrated model of care service by reducing barriers to uptake, linkage and retention in HIV, diabetes and hypertension treatment in SSA countries.

Background HIV, diabetes and hypertension have a high disease burden in sub-Saharan Africa. Healthcare is organised in separate clinics, which may be inefficient. In a cohort study, we evaluated integrated management of these conditions from a single chronic care clinic.Objectives To determined the feasibility and acceptability of integrated management of chronic conditions in terms of retention in care and clinical indicators.Design and setting Prospective cohort study comprising patients attending 10 health facilities offering primary care in Dar es Salaam and Kampala.Intervention Clinics within health facilities were set up to provide integrated care. Patients with either HIV, diabetes or hypertension had the same waiting areas, the same pharmacy, were seen by the same clinical staff, had similar provision of adherence counselling and tracking if they failed to attend appointments.Primary outcome measures Retention in care, plasma viral load.Findings Between 5 August 2018 and 21 May 2019, 2640 patients were screened of whom 2273 (86%) were enrolled into integrated care (832 with HIV infection, 313 with diabetes, 546 with hypertension and 582 with multiple conditions). They were followed up to 30 January 2020. Overall, 1615 (71.1%)/2273 were female and 1689 (74.5%)/2266 had been in care for 6 months or more. The proportions of people retained in care were 686/832 (82.5%, 95% CI: 79.9% to 85.1%) among those with HIV infection, 266/313 (85.0%, 95% CI: 81.1% to 89.0%) among those with diabetes, 430/546 (78.8%, 95% CI: 75.4% to 82.3%) among those with hypertension and 529/582 (90.9%, 95% CI: 88.6 to 93.3) among those with multimorbidity. Among those with HIV infection, the proportion with plasma viral load

Introduction Antiretroviral therapy has reduced mortality and led to longer life expectancy in people living with HIV. These patients are now at an increased risk of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Integration of care for HIV and NCDs has become a focus of research and policy. In this article, we aim to review patient perspectives on integration of healthcare for HIV, type 2 diabetes and hypertension.Methods The framework for scoping reviews developed by Arksey and O'Malley and updated by Peter et al was applied for this review. The databases PubMed, Web of Science and Cochrane library were searched. Broad search terms for HIV, NCDs (specifically type 2 diabetes and hypertension) and healthcare integration were used. As the review aimed to identify definitions of patient perspectives, they were not included as an independent term in the search strategy. References of included publications were searched for relevant articles. Titles and abstracts for these papers were screened by two independent reviewers. The full texts for all the publications appearing to meet the inclusion criteria were then read to make the final literature selection.Results Of 5502 studies initially identified, 13 articles were included in this review, of which 11 had a geographical origin in sub-Saharan Africa. Nine articles were primarily focused on HIV/diabetes healthcare integration while four articles were focused on HIV/hypertension integration. Patient’s experiences with integrated care were reduced HIV-related stigma, reduced travel and treatment costs and a more holistic person-centred care. Prominent concerns were long waiting times at clinics and a lack of continuity of care in some clinics due to a lack of healthcare workers. Non-integrated care was perceived as time-consuming and more expensive.Conclusion Patient perspectives and experiences on integrated care for HIV, diabetes and hypertension were mostly positive. Integrated services can save resources and allow for a more personalised approach to healthcare. There is a paucity of evidence and further longitudinal and interventional evidence from a more diverse range of healthcare systems are needed.

Introduction HIV programmes in sub-Saharan Africa are well funded but programmes for diabetes and hypertension are weak with only a small proportion of patients in regular care. Healthcare provision is organised from stand-alone clinics. In this cluster randomised trial, we are evaluating a concept of integrated care for people with HIV infection, diabetes or hypertension from a single point of care.Methods and analysis 32 primary care health facilities in Dar es Salaam and Kampala regions were randomised to either integrated or standard vertical care. In the integrated care arm, services are organised from a single clinic where patients with either HIV infection, diabetes or hypertension are managed by the same clinical and counselling teams. They use the same pharmacy and laboratory and have the same style of patient records. Standard care involves separate pathways, that is, separate clinics, waiting and counselling areas, a separate pharmacy and separate medical records. The trial has two primary endpoints: retention in care of people with hypertension or diabetes and plasma viral load suppression. Recruitment is expected to take 6 months and follow-up is for 12 months. With 100 participants enrolled in each facility with diabetes or hypertension, the trial will provide 90% power to detect an absolute difference in retention of 15% between the study arms (at the 5% two-sided significance level). If 100 participants with HIV infection are also enrolled in each facility, we will have 90% power to show non-inferiority in virological suppression to a delta=10% margin (ie, that the upper limit of the one-sided 95% CI of the difference between the two arms will not exceed 10%). To allow for lost to follow-up, the trial will enrol over 220 persons per facility. This is the only trial of its kind evaluating the concept of a single integrated clinic for chronic conditions in Africa.Ethics and dissemination The protocol has been approved by ethics committee of The AIDS Support Organisation, National Institute of Medical Research and the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine. Dissemination of findings will be done through journal publications and meetings involving study participants, healthcare providers and other stakeholders.Trial registration number ISRCTN43896688.

Background Low-income and middle-income countries are struggling to manage growing numbers of patients with chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs), while services for patients with HIV infection are well established. There have been calls for integration of HIV and NCD services to increase efficiency and improve coverage of NCD care, although evidence of effectiveness remains unclear. In this review, we assess the extent to which National HIV and NCD policies in East Africa reflect the calls for HIV-NCD service integration.Methods Between April 2018 and December 2020, we searched for policies, strategies and guidelines associated with HIV and NCDs programmes in Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda. Documents were searched manually for plans for integration of HIV and NCD services. Data were analysed qualitatively using document analysis.Results Thirty-one documents were screened, and 13 contained action plans for HIV and NCDs service integration. Integrated delivery of HIV and NCD care is recommended in high level health policies and treatment guidelines in four countries in the East African region; Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda, mostly relating to integrating NCD care into HIV programmes. The increasing burden of NCDs, as well as a move towards person-centred differentiated delivery of services for people living with HIV, is a factor in the recent adoption of integrated HIV and NCD service delivery plans. Both South Sudan and Burundi report a focus on building their healthcare infrastructure and improving coverage and quality of healthcare provision, with no reported plans for HIV and NCD care integration.Conclusion Despite the limited evidence of effectiveness, some East African countries have already taken steps towards HIV and NCD service integration. Close monitoring and evaluation of the integrated HIV and NCD programmes is necessary to provide insight into the associated benefits and risks, and to inform future service developments.

Sub-Saharan Africa has seen a rapid increase in non-communicable disease (NCD) burden over the last decades. The East African Community (EAC) comprises Burundi, Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania, South Sudan and Uganda, with a population of 177 million. In those countries, 40% of deaths in 2015 were attributable to NCDs. We review the status of the NCD response in the countries of the EAC based on the available monitoring tools, the WHO NCD progress monitors in 2017 and 2020 and the East African NCD Alliance benchmark survey in 2017. In the EAC, modest progress in governance, prevention of risk factors, monitoring, surveillance and evaluation of health systems can be observed. Many policies exist on paper, implementation and healthcare are weak and there are large regional and subnational differences. Enhanced efforts by regional and national policy-makers, non-governmental organisations and other stakeholders are needed to ensure future NCD policies and implementation improvements.

Strengthening Primary Health Care Systems is the most effective policy response in low-and middle-income countries to protect against health emergencies, achieve universal health coverage, and promote health and wellbeing. Despite the Astana declaration on primary health care, respective investment is still insufficient in Sub-Sahara Africa. The SARS-CoV-2019 pandemic is a reminder that non-communicable diseases (NCDs), which are increasingly prevalent in Sub-Sahara Africa, are closely interlinked to the burden of communicable diseases, exacerbating morbidity and mortality. Governments and donors should use the momentum created by the pandemic in a sustainable and effective way by pivoting health spending towards primary health care.

BackgroundThe burden of diabetes is increasing in sub-Saharan Africa, including among people living with HIV. We assessed the prevalence of diabetes and the roles of HIV, antiretroviral therapy (ART) and traditional risk factors among adults in Tanzania.MethodsWe analysed diabetes-relevant baseline data from 1,947 adult participants in the CICADA study in Mwanza, Tanzania: 655 HIV-uninfected, 956 HIV-infected ART-naïve, and 336 HIV-infected persons on ART. WHO guidelines for haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) and oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) were used to define diabetes and prediabetes. Risk factors were evaluated using multinomial logistic regression analysis. Relative risk ratios (RRR) were generated comparing participants with diabetes and prediabetes against the reference of those with no diabetes.ResultsMean age was 41 (SD 12) years; 59% were women. The prevalence of diabetes was 13% by HbA1c and 6% by OGTT, with partial overlap among participants identified by the two tests. Relative to HIV-uninfected, HIV-infected ART-naïve persons had increased relative risks of diabetes (HbA1c: RRR = 1.95, 95% CI 1.25-3.03; OGTT: RRR = 1.90, 95% CI 0.96-3.73) and prediabetes (HbA1c: RRR = 2.89, 95% CI 1.93-4.34; OGTT: RRR = 1.61, 95% CI 1.22-2.13). HIV-infected participants on ART showed increased risk of prediabetes (RRR 1.80, 95% CI 1.09, 2.94) by HbA1c, but not diabetes. CD4 count < 200 cell/μL at recruitment increased risk and physical activity decreased risk of diabetes by both HbA1c and OGTT.ConclusionsThe prevalence of diabetes was high, especially among HIV-infected ART-naïve adults. Being more physically active was associated with lower risk of diabetes. HbA1c and OGTT identified different participants as having diabetes or prediabetes. Overall, the finding of high burden of diabetes among HIV-infected persons suggests that health systems should consider integrating diabetes screening and treatment in HIV clinics to optimize the care of HIV patients and improve their health outcomes.

For decades, sulfonylureas (SUs) have been important drugs in the antidiabetic therapeutic armamentarium. They have been used as monotherapy as well as combination therapy. Focus on newer drugs and concerns about the risk of severe hypoglycemia and weight gain with some SUs have led to discussion on their safety and utility. It has to be borne in mind that the adverse events associated with SUs should not be ascribed to the whole class, as many modern SUs, such as glimepiride and gliclazide modified release, are associated with better safety profiles. Furthermore, individualization of treatment, using SUs in combination with other drugs, backed with careful monitoring and patient education, ensures maximum benefits with minimal side effects. The current guidelines, developed by experts from Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, promote the safe and smart use of SUs in combination with other glucose-lowering drugs.

Background. Fibroblast growth factor-21 is an endocrine regulator with therapeutic and diagnostic potential. The levels and pattern of circulating FGF-21 have been described mainly in European and Asian populations. Given its strong association with adiposity, and the reported ethnic variabilities in body composition, examining FGF-21 in an African population is crucial. Methods. We measured levels of circulating FGF-21 in 207 overweight and obese Tanzanian males with or without type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and using statistical approaches, we explored their relationship with anthropometric and biochemical parameters. Results. Consistent with previous reports from European and Asian populations, we found higher levels of FGF-21 in people with T2DM compared to those without the disease. Based on statistical models, measures of adiposity explained up to 59% of the variability in FGF-21 levels in the circulation. Conclusion. Levels of circulating FGF-21 in overweight and obese African males are higher in T2DM and strongly correlate with measures of adiposity.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is one of the most burdensome chronic diseases and is associated with shorter lifetime, diminished quality of life and economic burdens on the patient and society as a result of healthcare, medication, and reduced labor market participation. We aimed to estimate the direct (medical and non-medical) and indirect costs of DM and compare them with those of people without DM (ND), as well as the cost predictors.Observational retrospective case-control study performed in Mali. Participants were identified and randomly selected from diabetes registries. We recruited 500 subjects with DM and 500 subjects without DM, matched by sex and age. We conducted structured, personal interviews. Costs were expressed for a 90-day period. Direct medical costs comprised: inpatient stays, ICU, laboratory tests and other hospital visits, specialist and primary care doctor visits, others, traditional practitioners, and medication. Direct non-medical costs comprised travel for treatment and paid caregivers. The indirect costs include the productivity losses by patients and caregivers, and absenteeism. We estimate a two-part model by type of service and a linear multiple regression model for the total cost. We found that total costs of persons with DM were almost 4 times higher than total cost of people without DM. Total costs were $77.08 and $281.92 for ND and DM, respectively, with a difference of $204.84.Healthcare use and costs were dramatically higher for people with DM than for people with normal glucose tolerance and, in relative terms, much higher than in developed countries.