Skip to main page content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Dot gov

The .gov means it’s official.
Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you’re on a federal government site.

Https

The site is secure.
The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely.

Access keys NCBI Homepage MyNCBI Homepage Main Content Main Navigation
Review
. 2023 Nov 17;89(1):77.
doi: 10.5334/aogh.4111. eCollection 2023.

Mitigating the Rising Burden of Non-Communicable Diseases through Locally Generated Evidence-Lessons from Tanzania

Harrieth P Ndumwa  1 , Davis E Amani  1 , Jackline E Ngowi  1 , Belinda J Njiro  1 , Castory Munishi  1 , Erick A Mboya  1 , Doreen Mloka  1 , Amani I Kikula  1 , Emmanuel Balandya  1 , Paschal Ruggajo  1   2 , Anna T Kessy  1 , Emilia Kitambala  1 , Ntuli Kapologwe  3 , James T Kengia  3 , James Kiologwe  2 , Omary Ubuguyu  2 , Bakari Salum  3 , Appolinary Kamuhabwa  1 , Kaushik Ramaiya  4   5   6 , Bruno F Sunguya  1
Affiliations
Review

Mitigating the Rising Burden of Non-Communicable Diseases through Locally Generated Evidence-Lessons from Tanzania

Harrieth P Ndumwa et al. Ann Glob Health. .

Abstract

Background: The burden of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) is rapidly increasing globally, and low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) bear the brunt of it. Tanzania is no exception. Addressing the rising burden of NCDs in this context calls for renewed efforts and commitment by various stakeholders. This paper highlights local initiatives and strategies to combat NCDs in Tanzania and provides lessons for countries with similar contexts.

Methods: We reviewed published and grey literature and conducted policy analysis on NCDs in Tanzania to examine the burden of NCDs and the national response addressing it. The documents included National NCD strategic plans, NCD research agenda, and reports from the World Diabetes Foundation and the World Health Organization. Moreover, a scoping review of ongoing NCD activities and programs in other countries was also conducted to supplement the evidence gathered.

Results: The rising burden of NCDs as a result of the epidemiological transition in Tanzania called for the launching of a dedicated National NCD Control and Prevention Program. The Ministry of Health collaborates with local, national, and international partners on NCD prevention and curative strategies. This led to the development of important guidelines and policies on NCDs, including strengthening the capacity of health facilities and healthcare workers, increased community engagement and awareness of NCDs, and increased advocacy for more resources in NCD initiatives. Strong governmental commitment has been vital; this is demonstrated by a renewed commitment to the fight through national NCD week and related advocacy activities conducted annually. To ensure multi-stakeholders' engagement and political commitment, all these activities are coordinated at the Prime Minister's office and provide strong lessons for countries with contexts similar to Tanzania.

Conclusion: Multi-stakeholders' engagement, innovative approaches, and coordinated governmental efforts to address NCDs have shone a light on addressing the burden of NCDs and may be sustainable if aligned with locally available resources. Such initiatives are recommended for adoption by other nations to address the burdens of NCDs.

Keywords: Non-communicable diseases (NCDs); Tanzania; advocacy; epidemiological transition; multi-stakeholders.

PubMed Disclaimer

Conflict of interest statement

The authors have no competing interests to declare.

Figures

NCD program historical milestones in Tanzania
Figure 1
NCD program historical milestones in Tanzania.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

    1. Richards NC, Gouda HN, Durham J, Rampatige R, Rodney A, Whittaker M. Disability, noncommunicable disease and health information. Bull World Health Organ. 2016; 94(3): 230–332. DOI: 10.2471/BLT.15.156869 - DOI - PMC - PubMed
    1. Noncommunicable diseases. World Health Organization (WHO). Published 2021. Accessed April 27, 2022. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/noncommunicable-diseases.
    1. Budreviciute A, Damiati S, Sabir DK, et al. Management and Prevention Strategies for Non-communicable Diseases (NCDs) and Their Risk Factors. Front Public Heal. 2020; 8. DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2020.574111 - DOI - PMC - PubMed
    1. Mid-Point Evaluation of the Implementation of the WHO Global Action Plan for the Prevention and Control of Noncommunicable Diseases 2013–2020 (NCD-GAP) Corporate Evaluation Commissioned by the WHO Evaluation Office. World Health Organization (WHO). Published 2020. https://cdn.who.int/media/docs/default-source/documents/about-us/evaluat....
    1. Tanzania Non-Communicable Diseases and Injuries Poverty Commission. Reframing Noncommunicable Diseases and Injuries for the Poorest Billion. 2020; 8. DOI: 10.46607/iamj08082020 - DOI

MeSH terms