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Background: Reliable supply of laboratory supportive services contributes significantly to the quality of HIV diagnostic services. This study assessed the status of supply chain management of laboratory supportive services and its potential implications on the quality of HIV diagnostic services in selected districts of Tanzania.Methods: The study was conducted in 39 health facilities (HFs) from eight districts in four regions of Tanzania, namely Iringa, Mtwara, Tabora and Tanga. Facilities with care and treatment centres for HIV/AIDS patients were purposively selected for the study. The study utilized a quantitative method of data collection. A questionnaire was administered to heads of laboratories to obtain information on laboratory supply chain management.Results: A total of 39 health facilities (HF) were included in the study. This included 23 public and 16 private facilities. In 82% of the HFs, ordering of supplies was performed by the laboratory departments. The information commonly used to forecast requirements of the laboratories included the number of tests done (74.4%; n=29), current stock levels (69.2%; n=27), average monthly consumption (64.1%, n=25) and minimum and maximum stock levels (10.2%, n=4). Emergency orders were significantly common in public than private facilities (73.9% vs. 56.3%, p=0.004). Delivery of ordered supplies took 1 to 180 days with a significantly longer period for public than private facilities (32.5 vs. 13.1 days, p=0.044). Most of the public HFs ordered supplies from diverse sources compared to private facilities (68.2% vs. 31.8%).Conclusion: There was a weak inventory management system and delays in delivery of supplies in the majority of HFs, which are likely to impede quality of HIV care and treatment. Strengthening capacity for data management and ensure constant supply will potentially improve the quality of HIV diagnostic services.

Background: Malaria is a complex health problem related to socio-economic and environmental factors that cut across a number of sectors. Establishing intersectoral linkages is important to facilitate joint efforts to address the problem at all levels. The objectives of this study were to explore key sectoral engagements in malaria control policy formulation and implementation, and to determine decision and policy makers’ opinions about different sectoral activities that contribute to malaria transmission and control in Tanzania.Methods: This study included documentary review, self-administered interviews and group discussion. Interviews and group discussions involved key informants at district and national levels. The sectors involved were health, agriculture, environment, livestock, fisheries, education, works, irrigation, water resources, land development, forestry, and community development.Results: Institutions and organizations that were involved in the development of the previous and current National Malaria Strategic Plan (2007-2013 and 2013-2020) were the Ministries of Health and Social Welfare, Prime Minister’s Office of Regional Administration and Local Government, Public universities and non-governmental organizations. All the individuals involved in the development of the plans were either medical or health professionals. According to key informants, sectoral activities identified to contribute to malaria transmission included farming systems, deforestation, fishing, nomadic pastoralism, household water storage, water resource development projects, road and house construction and mining. The lack of intersectoral approaches in malaria control programme included the facts that the Health Sector does not involve other sectors during planning and development of policy guidelines, differences in sectoral mandates and management culture, lack of a national coordinating framework and lack of budget for intersectoral activities.Conclusion: The current strategies for malaria control in Tanzania need to address socio-economic and development activities across sectors and emphasise the need for intersectoral collaboration. It is recommended that the future of malaria control strategies should, therefore, be broad based and intersectoral in planning and implementation.

Malaria is a complex health problem that cuts across a number of sectors. Establishing intersectoral linkages is important to facilitate joint efforts to address the problem at the national, district and community levels. The objectives of this study were to explore key stakeholder engagement in malaria control policy formulation and implementation; and to determine decision and policy makers’ opinions as regards to different sectoral activities that contribute to malaria transmission and control and the likelihood that an intersectoral approach in malaria control will be adopted in Tanzania. This study included document analysis, self-administered interviews and group discussions. Interviews and group discussions involved key stakeholders at district and national levels. The sectors involved were health, agriculture, environment, livestock, fisheries, education, works, irrigation, water resources, land development, forestry, and community development. The Ministry of Health and Social Welfare (MoHSW) and the Prime Minister’s Office for Regional Administration and Local Government (PMORALG) were the two key ministries involved in malaria control in both policy formulations and guidelines. Sectoral activities that contribute to malaria transmission to include farming systems, deforestation, fishing, nomadic pastoralism, household water storage, water resource development projects, road/ house construction, brick making, mining, and water drainage systems. The lack of intersectoral approaches in malaria control programme included the fact that the MoHSW does not involve other sectors during planning and development of policy guidelines; different sectoral mandates; differences in disciplines and management culture; lack of a national coordinating body; lack of budget for intersectoral activities, and selfishness among sectors to share resources. In conclusion, the current strategies for malaria control in Tanzania must address issues of livelihoods and human development activities and emphasise the need for intersectoral collaboration. It is recommended that all development projects take into account the potential for an adverse impact on malaria and other health problems. The future of malaria control strategy should therefore, be broad based, and intersectoral in planning and operation.

Before independence in 1961, Tanzania was a Germany colony (1889-1916) and later British Protectorate (1916-1961). During the 72 year period, the western medical services targeted foreigners working for the colonial governments. After independence, the government has expanded the health services with a vision to improve the health and well being of all Tanzanians with a focus on those most at risk, and to encourage the health system to be more responsive to the needs of the people. The policy mission is to facilitate the provision of equitable, quality and affordable basic health services, which are gender sensitive and sustainable, delivered for the achievement of improved health status.This issue of the Tanzania Journal of Health Research is dedicated for the 50th Anniversary of the Tanzania independence. It includes a number of reviews focussed on different aspects of health, both communicable and non-communicable diseases. The reviews focus on a number of health problems that faced Tanzania during the past fifty years. Challenges to meet the national and global development goals are discussed in line with the changing epidemiological patterns for both communicable and non-communicable diseases.