This abstract has been accepted at the 2024 DHIS2 Annual Conference
Leveraging DHIS2 Digital Platform to Strengthen Community-Based Health Systems in Tanzania: Case of Tuberculosis Mobile Clinics
Tuberculosis (TB) remains a formidable global public health challenge, particularly in resource-limited countries like Tanzania. TB case finding and treatment coverage are hindered by shortages of specialized healthcare workers, laboratory facilities, and the stigma associated with seeking treatment. This causes remote communities to need help in reaching TB services. In response, the Ministry of Health initiated the TB Mobile Clinic intervention in 2020 using 5 Vehicles equipped with laboratory facilities to extend TB screening, diagnosis, and treatment services to under-served communities. It was noted that the mobile clinics required efficient data management. The University of Dar es Salaam, DHIS2 Lab, and the Ministry of Health through the National TB and Leprosy Program collaborated to develop a customizable DHIS2 web-based application integrated into the existing TB patient DHIS2 tracker. The application supports electronic data collection for screened and diagnosed patients and laboratory tools, facilitating comprehensive data management. Workers from all five mobile vans were trained, and the system now enables electronic information reporting. The DHIS2 TB Mobile VAN application includes forms for screening, diagnosis, and laboratory services. The system is in use, and it ensures accurate and efficient data capture during field operations and incorporates real-time data transmission for seamless communication between mobile vans and central databases. The customized dashboard allows quick visualization of data for follow-up and decision-making by stakeholders. Healthcare professionals gain insights into screening trends, diagnostic outcomes, geographical patterns of TB prevalence, and laboratory facilities utilization. The package of forms and dashboards for TB Mobile Van data management is designed for adoption by other countries implementing similar interventions. Utilizing the existing DHIS2 platform facilitated the rapid implementation of the Mobile Van Intervention in alignment with WHO guidelines. This solution addresses the complexities of TB management in resource-constrained settings, offering a streamlined approach to data-driven decision-making and enhancing the efficiency of mobile healthcare interventions. The deployment highlights the transformative potential of digital platforms in strengthening community health systems in developing countries like Tanzania.
Primary Author: Merina Marcelino
Keywords:
TB Mobile Clinic ,TB patient DHIS2 tracker, DHIS2 TB Mobile VAN app, Tanzania
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