Health Promotion and System Strengthening (HPSS) - Tanzania
Research + Structured Technical Assistance
Project Title:Preparation Phase of theHealth Promotion and System Strengthening (HPSS) - Tanzania
PROJECT CATEGORY:Research + Structured Technical Assistance
OBJECTIVE:
The objective of the full project is to improve access to, quality and utilization of health resources and services in Dodoma region by arriving at an effective and well-governed system.
The objective of the situational analysis (MIA's key involvement) was to provide international expertise regarding the health financing system and public financial management in the context of the Tanzanian health sector. Additionally, the aim was to appraise potential interventions for the project implementation and develop a comprehensive and integrated support package that can be applied at the district and health facility level to strengthen the health financing system.
BACKGROUND:
Upon independence, health care was mandated as a free service in Tanzania. However, with poor economic conditions in the 1980's the Government was no longer able to fully fund health care and the need for health sector reforms was evident. Various reforms were introduced to bridge this funding gap including decentralization of management, social health insurance for formal sector employees (National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF), and community contributions (user fees and the Community Health Fund (CHF). Implementation of CHF has yet to be successfully carried out in Tanzania and requires structural reform. The flow of funds from the District Government to the health facility level also needs to be facilitated and trainings to improve claiming, reimbursement and utilization of funds from the NHIF are deemed as necessary to create a well functioning health system.
PROJECT CONCEPT:
The approach used for this situational analysis was a combination of a desk review, Key Informant Interviews (KII) and Focus Group Discussions (FGD). KII were carried out with over 100 resource persons, and 7 FGD were held with groups divided between males and females. Upon conclusion of the mission, a debriefing meeting was held in Dar es Salaam with representatives from the Ministry of Health, NHIF, the Swiss Embassy, the World Bank, GTZ, CIDA and others. The project now aims to create buy-in and build collaboration with these stakeholders in order to push forward new strategies regarding health financing issues within the country.
PARTNERS:
Swiss Development Corporation (SDC), Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute (Swiss TPH), and Ifakara Health Institute.
FUNDING:
Funding is provided from the SDC for an initial period of 4 years with a potential extension for up to 10 years of funding.
DURATION:2010-2020
COUNTRY:Tanzania
LOCATION:
The situational analysis began with a comprehensive literature review followed by field work in Dar es Salaam and Dodoma region in Tanzania. The planning workshop will take place in Dodoma.
CONTACT:Ralf Radermacher (ralf@mia.org.in) and Mackenzie Vanderhyden (mackenzie@mia.org.in)
PROGRESS:
MIA's current role in the project: 4 week situational analysis and a one week planning workshop. The MIA team has just returned from their field work in Dar es Salaam and Dodoma region, where they conducted a situational analysis. The team is now in the midst of preparing a report of the mission, the project document, and organizing for the Planning Workshop in September.
