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Published on: October 31, 2010

Integration of trachoma control into primary health care: the Tanzanian experience

Jeffrey W Mecaskey1, Edith Ngirwamungu, Peter M Kilima

  • 1International Trachoma Initiative, New York, New York 10077, USA. mecaskey@trachoma.org

The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene
|December 25, 2003
PubMed

Insights

Tanzania integrated trachoma control into its primary healthcare system using the SAFE strategy. This model supports disease-specific programs within national health plans.

Area of Science:

  • Public Health
  • Infectious Disease Control
  • Global Health

Background:

  • Tanzania initiated a trachoma control program early, utilizing the SAFE strategy (Surgery, Antibiotics, Facial cleanliness, Environmental improvement) with azithromycin.
  • Over one million children under 10 have active trachoma, and an estimated 54,000 individuals have trichiasis in Tanzania.
  • The country has undergone significant health sector reforms since 2000, emphasizing decentralized health packages and comprehensive council health plans.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To present a model for integrating disease-specific control efforts, specifically trachoma, into the primary healthcare system.
  • To document Tanzania's experience in developing and implementing a national trachoma control program.
  • To support districts endemic for trachoma but lacking control programs.

Main Methods:

  • Trachoma control was integrated into comprehensive council health plans, starting in 2003 and expanding in subsequent years.
  • Collaboration between the Tanzania Ministry of Health, International Trachoma Initiative (ITI), World Bank, and the office of the President was crucial.
  • Information dissemination and goal setting were conducted with endemic districts to facilitate program integration.

Main Results:

  • Trachoma control programs were successfully integrated into district-level health planning.
  • The initiative aimed to expand trachoma control efforts across endemic areas in 2004 and 2005.
  • The approach served as a model for incorporating specific disease control initiatives into broader primary healthcare frameworks.

Conclusions:

  • The integration of trachoma control into Tanzania's primary healthcare system demonstrates a viable model for national disease control.
  • Decentralized health planning and collaboration are key to successful implementation of public health initiatives.
  • This strategy supports the sustainability and expansion of essential health services for trachoma elimination.

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