5. EGPAF Tanzania Program PMTCT support started in 2003 through CTA project; now supported through USAID bilateral C&T support started in 2004 through CDC Track 1 funding National partner for HIV services in 6 regions (5 PMTCT, 5 C&T) Arusha, Kilimanjaro, Tabora, Shinyanga, Lindi, Mtwara 4
7. PMTCT Program Goal and Key Principles Program Goal: Increase access to quality PMTCT services including the linkage to care and treatment for women, children and their families in Tanzania Work within MOHSW plans for scale up of services Integration of PMTCT into RCH services 6
9. The District Approach EGPAF defines district approach as working through the district Working with the District Health Management Teams (DHMTs) to plan, implement, manage, and monitor all aspects of the PMTCT program Building the capacity of the DHMTs for them to lead with the support of EGPAF 8
10. The Value of the District Approach Building local capacity for PMTCT programming while fostering greater ownership and sustainability Enabling rapid scale-up of PMTCT services through integration with existing structures and systems Facilitating health system strengthening and supporting quality 9
11. Steps for Implementation:Laying the Foundation Ensure plans are consistent with national policy/guidelines Engage the district administration and help build leadership: work with technical, administrative & operational staff Conduct an initial assessment with district & region staff Involve community leaders to increase awareness and promote PMTCT services The human factor 10
12. Steps for Implementation:Getting Started Letters of Intent-> Proposal -> Annual Work Plan Including targets, budget, outlined activities and timeline with responsible parties Operational issues: Cost sharing, district control over budget, procurement/ supply chain management Establish PMTCT training capacity in the district and synchronize training with the establishment of new sites 11
13. Steps for Implementation:Now What? Encourage team building Facilitate the exchange of experiences between districts Integrate supportive supervision into the district routine Involve district stakeholders in M&E Facilitate modification of approaches Constant follow-up 12
20. Key Challenges Multiple constraints within the HIV/AIDS sector Less direct control over program outcomes: balance priorities between EGPAF and districts Rapid expansion of the program; little means to supervise sites, not able to provide direct support that would be ideal Balance of focus on quantity vs. quality 19
21. Lessons Learned: Opportunities Need for 360 degree support: lack of financial management and administrative capacity in some districts Weak data quality/systems Ensure links to other services: most sites do not offer HIV care/treatment or delivery services Difficult determining when the districts are ready to operate independently Importance of assessing program performance by district/site 20
24. Conclusions The district approach is responsible for the successful rapid scale-up of PMTCT in EGPAF supported regions in Tanzania This approach is not without challenges Districts are assisted to strengthen their health systems to meet the long-term health needs of women and children National leadership through MOHSW played key role in this approach Strong approach for sustainable services 23
25. Thank you Clients that we serve All District Health Management Teams Anja Giphart Jeroen Van’t Pad Bosch Agatha Haule Betty Muze Adam Silver Patrick Swai 24 DISCLAIMER: This program was made possible through support provided by the Office of HIV/AIDS, Global Bureau Center for Population, Health and Nutrition, of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), through the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, as part of the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation's International Family AIDS Initiatives (“Call To Action Project”/ Cooperative Agreement No. GPH-A-00-02-00011-00). Private donors also supported costs of activities in many countries. The opinions expressed herein are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of USAID.