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• Research Papers

  Infectious disease outbreaks in the World Health Organization Eastern Mediterranean Region in 2019

  This study analyzed infectious disease outbreaks in the World Health Organization’s Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR) during 2019, highlighting the region’s vulnerability due to fragile health systems and ongoing humanitarian crises. Ten countries reported 24 outbreaks caused by 13 pathogens, including cholera, dengue, measles, MERS, and XDR typhoid fever, resulting in over one million suspected and confirmed cases and more than 1,500 deaths (CFR 0.17%). While enhanced surveillance has helped reduce cases in some areas, the study emphasizes the urgent need to strengthen country-level heal

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• Research Papers

  Levels of handwashing and vaccine uptake in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania to prevent and control COVID-19: A systematic review and meta-analysis

  This systematic review and meta-analysis investigated COVID-19 vaccine uptake and handwashing practices in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania as preventive measures against the spread of SARS-CoV-2. Drawing from 17 studies involving 18,305 participants and 622 vaccination sites, the analysis found high levels of handwashing (88%) and vaccine acceptance (67%), with relatively low vaccine hesitancy (31%). The findings highlight the need for targeted public health strategies to enhance awareness and ensure effective adoption of both hand hygiene and vaccination to control COVID-19 in the region. Read More

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  Impact of quality improvement interventions on facility readiness, quality and uptake of maternal and child health services in developing regions of Ethiopia: a secondary analysis of programme data

  This study evaluated the impact of a Quality Improvement (QI) intervention implemented from 2018 to 2021 in health facilities across Ethiopia’s developing regional states. Using data from 56 facilities and detailed monitoring from 28, the study found that QI interventions significantly enhanced facility readiness, service availability, and the quality of maternal and child health services. The study concludes that integrated QI interventions can positively influence health service delivery, though further research is needed to enhance contraceptive service outcomes. Read More

• Research Papers

  Health care workers’ self-perceived infection risk and COVID-19 vaccine uptake: A mixed methods study

  This study examined healthcare workers’ (HCWs) self-perceived risk of COVID-19 infection and their uptake of the vaccine across seven regions in Tanzania using a mixed-methods approach. Among 1,368 HCWs surveyed, 53.6% reported being vaccinated, while 75.5% perceived themselves at high risk of infection—largely due to their work environment and limited access to personal protective equipment (PPE). The study recommends improving working conditions, ensuring PPE availability, and enhancing vaccine education to reduce infection risks and improve vaccine uptake among HCWs.   Read More

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  Determinants of COVID-19 Vaccine Uptake and Hesitancy among Healthcare Workers in Tanzania: A Mixed-Methods Study

  This study explored COVID-19 vaccine uptake and hesitancy among 1,368 healthcare workers (HCWs) across seven zones in Tanzania in 2021, using a mixed-methods approach. Higher vaccine uptake was significantly associated with being aged 40+, working in lower-level facilities, having over six years of experience, and perceiving a high risk of infection. The study underscores the need for targeted interventions addressing contextual factors, especially among younger HCWs, those with shorter work experience, and those in varied facility levels, to improve vaccine acceptance and coverage.  

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• Research Papers

  Continuity of essential health services amidst COVID-19 pandemic in Tanzania: a pre and post implementation support assessment

  The COVID-19 pandemic has potentially caused disruptions in provision of routine, regular essential health services in different ways; through overwhelming the health system in responding to COVID-19; some of the intervention used to slow transmission of COVID-19 may inhibit access to essential services; and through supplies of medicine being interrupted.. In Tanzania, unlike many other countries, which did not follow strict lockdown measures, disruption of access to and utilization of EHS due to anxiety and fear of contact with the infection while seeking medical care was observed. Read More

• Research Papers

  COVID-19 Vaccine Uptake and Associated Factors in Sub-Saharan Africa: Evidence from a Community-Based Survey in Tanzania

  This study assessed COVID-19 vaccine uptake and its associated factors among 3,470 community members across eight regions in Tanzania. Despite the availability of vaccines, only 18% of respondents had been vaccinated, with uptake varying significantly—from just 8% in Dar es Salaam to 37% in Simiyu. The study emphasizes the need for region-specific strategies and educational interventions to improve vaccine coverage, particularly among women and younger populations, by enhancing awareness of vaccine benefits, availability, and target groups. Read More

• Research Papers

  The role of community pharmacies in early detection of suspected COVID-19 cases in 2020: lessons from Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

  A study conducted in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, in 2020 highlighted the important role community pharmacies played in the early detection of suspected COVID-19 cases. As part of an event-based surveillance initiative, 103 pharmacies were engaged to monitor clients presenting with respiratory symptoms and influenza-like illness. This approach proved valuable for early outbreak detection and could be adapted for future public health threats in similar settings   Read More >>>

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