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. 2020 May 27:36:41.
doi: 10.11604/pamj.2020.36.41.17857. eCollection 2020.

Addressing the workforce capacity for public health surveillance through field epidemiology and laboratory training program: the need for balanced enhanced skill mix and distribution, a case study from Tanzania

Susan Fred Rumisha  1   2 , Rogath Saika Kishimba  2   3 , Ahmed Abade Mohamed  2 , Loveness John Urio  2 , Neema Rusibayamila  2   3 , Muhammad Bakari  2   3 , Janneth Mghamba  2   3
Affiliations

Addressing the workforce capacity for public health surveillance through field epidemiology and laboratory training program: the need for balanced enhanced skill mix and distribution, a case study from Tanzania

Susan Fred Rumisha et al. Pan Afr Med J. .

Abstract

Introduction: Skill mix refers to the range of professional development and competencies, skills and experiences of staff within a particular working environment that link with specific outcome while responding to client needs. A balanced skill-mix and distribution of core human resources is important to strengthen decision-making process and rapid responses. We analysed graduates´ information of the Tanzania Field Epidemiology and Laboratory Training Program (TFELTP) between 2008-2016, distribution of skill-mix and the surveillance workforce-gaps within regions.

Methods: Trainees´ data of nine cohorts enrolled between 2008 and 2016 were extracted from the program database. Distribution by sex, region and cadres/profession was carried out. An indicator to determine enhanced-skill mix was established based on the presence of a clinician, nurse, laboratory scientist and environmental health officer. A complete enhanced skill-mix was considered when all four were available and have received FELTP training.

Results: The TFELTP has trained 113 trainees (male=71.7%), originated from 17 regions of Tanzania Mainland (65.4% of all) and Zanzibar. Clinicians (34.5%) and laboratory scientists (38.1%) accounted for the most recruits, however, the former were widely spread in regions (83% vs. 56%). Environmental health officers (17.7%) were available in 39% of regions. The nursing profession, predominantly lacking (6.2%) was available in 22% of regions. Only two regions (11.7%) among 17 covered by TFELTP presented complete skill-mix, representing 7.7% of Tanzanian regions. Seven regions (41%) had an average of one trainee.

Conclusion: The TFELTP is yet to reach the required skill-mix in many regions within the country. The slow fill-rate for competent and key workforce cadres might impede effective response. Strategies to increase program awareness at subnational levels is needed to improve performance of surveillance and response system in Tanzania.

Keywords: Tanzania; Tanzania Field Epidemiology and Laboratory Training Program; enhanced-skill mix; public health surveillance system; skill gap; workforce.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no competing interests.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Distribution of number of TFELTP trainees by original place of work, 2008-2016
Figure 2
Figure 2
Target and coverage of FELTP training for the core surveillance cadres/professions in Tanzania, 2008-2016 (labels indicate the number of regions)
Figure 3
Figure 3
Scores for enhanced-skill mix for the surveillance workforce by regions indicating number of core staff who received Field Epidemiology and Laboratory Training, Tanzania
Figure 4
Figure 4
Map showing the spatial variations in enhanced skill-mix score and availability of core surveillance staff received Field Epidemiology and Laboratory Training in regions of Tanzania
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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