What is a country programme?
At SolidarMed, we’re always talking about country programmes. Perhaps you’ve wondered exactly what they are. This page uses Tanzania as an example to explain how a programme is structured
The problems affecting the countries where we work are often highly complex. A programme is based on the idea that in many areas you can have a greater impact with a joined-up and coordinated approach. Medical needs in a region depend on the context and are carefully examined with local actors, such as health authorities. Experience and new scientific findings feed into projects to ensure they are effective and lead to lasting improvements.
Tanzania programme
Problem(s)
Although many aspects of health have improved in Tanzania, newborn mortality and rates of infectious diseases such as tuberculosis have not. Additionally, non-communicable diseases are responsible for 34 percent of deaths.
Topics
- Newborn survival and health
- Infectious diseases such as tuberculosis
- Non-communicable diseases, such as cervical cancer
Regions
SolidarMed operates in four districts in the south of the country. The general health context in the programme region is adversely affected by the socioeconomic conditions, with widespread poverty and low levels of formal education.
Recipients
Rural populations with a focus on newborns, adolescents, women of childbearing age and their partners, and people with chronic conditions.
Project example: Guarantee the survival of newborns by expanding Kangaroo Mother Care at three hospitals
SolidarMed does this by setting up relevant wards and providing equipment and training for healthcare professionals, particularly in birth support and neonatal resuscitation and care. Also, community leaders are educated so they can explain the importance of prenatal care to pregnant women. In parallel, a study is looking at what minimum package of measures has the greatest impact on reducing mortality rates. The results of this will feed into the decisions regarding the rollout of the measures to other regions.
The pillars of the programme
Availability of health services
Goal: Guarantee and expand access to high-quality care for the defined recipients.
Community-based health promotion
Goal: Bring healthcare to people by going directly to the communities where healthcare facilities are lacking.
Empowering staff and boosting workforces
Goal: Strengthen the skills and competencies of nursing staff and increase the number of healthcare professionals by offering targeted mentoring and further training.
Gaining knowledge, conducting research and engaging in policy dialogue
Goal: Enhance impact and enable health promotion measures to be rolled out by influencing evidence-based decisions at political level.
Our topics
The projects are developed together with the local partner hospitals and authorities. SolidarMed takes the health needs of local people into account.
