Caring for NCDs in Tanzania: Challenges and Solutions

Chronic illnesses like hypertension and diabetes are on the rise in Tanzania, putting pressure on the already overstretched healthcare system. A study, focusing on Kilombero and Same districts, found that many people living in rural and semi-urban areas are battling these diseases. Out of 784 people surveyed, 40. 4% had hypertension, 4. 7% had diabetes, and 2. 5% suffered from other non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Interestingly, about two-thirds of these patients had sought medical care in the past six months. Having health insurance through the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) or a user fees waiver made it more likely for patients to get the care they needed. But even with access, patients often didn't get complete care due to drug shortages. The study also found that those registered with the improved Community Health Funds (iCHF) were less likely to receive all the necessary services at the health facility they visited. The research raises important questions about the strength of primary care and social health protection systems in Tanzania. It suggests that more needs to be done to ensure that people with NCDs get the full range of services they require.