05.04.2023
What is a country programme?
At SolidarMed, we’re always talking about country programmes. Perhaps you’ve wondered exactly what they are. This page uses Tanzania as an example to explain how a programme is structured.
The problems affecting the countries where we work are often highly complex. A programme is based on the idea that in many areas you can have a greater impact with a joined-up and coordinated approach. Medical needs in a region depend on the context and are carefully examined with local actors, such as health authorities. Experience and new scientific findings feed into projects to ensure they are effective and lead to lasting improvements.
Tanzania programme
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Problem(s)
Although many aspects of health have improved in Tanzania, newborn mortality and rates of infectious diseases such as tuberculosis have not. Additionally, non-communicable diseases are responsible for 34 % of deaths.
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Topics
- Newborn survival and health
- Infectious diseases such as tuberculosis
- Non-communicable diseases, such as cervical cancer
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Regions
SolidarMed operates in four districts in the south of the country. The general health context in the programme region is adversely affected by the socioeconomic conditions, with widespread poverty and low levels of formal education.
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Recipients
Rural populations with a focus on newborns, adolescents, women of childbearing age and their partners, and people with chronic conditions.
Impact assessment and accompanying research: health data and costs are systematically recorded so that the most efficient and cost-efficient measures can be identified.
Project example: Guarantee the survival of newborns by expanding Kangaroo Mother Care at three hospitals.
SolidarMed does this by setting up relevant wards and providing equipment and training for healthcare professionals, particularly in birth support and neonatal resuscitation and care. Also, community leaders are educated so they can explain the importance of prenatal care to pregnant women. In parallel, a study is looking at what minimum package of measures has the greatest impact on reducing mortality rates. The results of this will feed into the decisions regarding the rollout of the measures to other regions.
Community health workers educate mothers about hygiene, diet, and the importance of vaccinating their children, like here in Tanzania’s Ulanga district.
The pillars of the programme
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Availability of health services
Goal: Guarantee and expand access to high-quality care for the defined recipients.
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Community-based health promotion
Goal: Bring healthcare to people by going directly to the communities where healthcare facilities are lacking.
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Empowering staff and boosting workforces
Goal: Strengthen the skills and competencies of nursing staff and increase the number of healthcare professionals by offering targeted mentoring and further training.
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Gaining knowledge, conducting research and engaging in policy dialogue
Goal: Enhance impact and enable health promotion measures to be rolled out by influencing evidence-based decisions at political level.
Our Topics
Our work focuses on the health of mothers, children and adolescents. We fight diseases, strengthen hospitals and health facilities and train and educate health personnel.
