The Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR) – Tanzania Country Director Mark Breda, through the implementing partner HJFMRI, provided support to the Tanzania Peoples Defense Forces (TPDF) by launching the Health Information System (HIS) data center at Lugalo Military College of Medical and Allied Sciences. This data center will offer real-time data from all 21 health facilities supported within the TPDF.
The newly launched TPDF Health Information System (HIS) data center, which is integrated with the Ministry of Health DHIS2, has received funding from PEPFAR through the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR). This support aims to enhance HIV services by offering a comprehensive data overview for efficient program planning, management, monitoring, and decision-making to improve the health system and sustain HIV epidemic control in Tanzania.
During the event, WRAIR Country Director in Tanzania, Mark Breda, emphasized the significance of the HIS launch within TPDF Health facilities in achieving the UNAIDS 95-95-95 goals and the HIV treatment cascade, from diagnosis to treatment adherence, as the country works towards epidemic control.
The Director of Medical Services at TPDF, Brig. Gen. Charles Mwanziva, expressed appreciation for the WRAIR support, noting that it will enhance the provision of quality healthcare services across the 21 TPDF health facilities. Integration with the Ministry of Health DHIS2 will provide real-time data for effective planning and response to HIV challenges.
With real-time data available from the 21 TPDF health facilities, healthcare providers can promptly address patient needs, such as viral load tests and treatment evaluations, improving program delivery effectiveness.
The centralized data center concept for TPDF health facilities is viewed as an opportunity to strengthen HIV services and address the country’s healthcare priorities by timely intervention based on available data.
HJFMRI, with funding from WRAIR, has invested over TZS 900,000,000 through procuring data center equipment, installing fiber optic network connectivity to 21 TPDF facilities, designing the TPDF-HIS, providing capacity building to TPDF teams, upgrading server and power backup, and facilitating consultative meetings with stakeholders.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of U.S. Embassy in Tanzania.