Dar es Salaam – Tanzania is paving the best way within the African area on the implementation of the Intersectoral International Motion Plan on epilepsy and different neurological issues 2022-2031 (IGAP). Utilizing epilepsy and Parkinson illness as tracer circumstances, WHO and Tanzania Ministry of Well being are working collectively to determine boundaries to remedy entry and interventions to enhance entry, in collaboration with native companions, together with folks with lived expertise, well being care suppliers and civil society representatives.
In keeping with Dr Charles Sagoe-Moses, WHO Consultant to Tanzania, “Epilepsy and Parkinson illness are a significant reason for incapacity and trigger a big impression in Tanzania. It’s encouraging to see the nation not sparing efforts to deal with points regarding entry to medicines for these ailments at a number of ranges. These efforts are nice examples of how international locations can take motion to attain the targets and visions set out by IGAP.”
In Might 2023, Tanzania was among the many first international locations to host a workshop on the implementation of IGAP following its launch. The workshop concerned sharing the outcomes of an evaluation on entry to remedy for neurological issues and laid the groundwork for the national-level implementation of IGAP. The actions targeted on epilepsy and Parkinson illness, figuring out key parts that impression entry to medicines for these circumstances and growing actions to deal with these points. In September 2023, an extra assembly with all companions was convened in Moshi to make sure the continuity of actions and assess the progress that had already been achieved.
On his aspect, Dr. Omary Ubuguyu, Assistant Director for NCDs on the Ministry of Well being famous “Tanzania is proud to be working with WHO to make sure that folks with neurological issues can entry and afford the medicines to deal with these circumstances. Our precedence is to make sure that the inhabitants can have entry to the care and help that they want”
Substantial progress has been achieved by the Ministry of Well being because of these actions. A nationwide coordination committee for epilepsy and different neurological issues is being established to make sure technical help to policymakers and preserve neurological issues as a precedence within the nation. Additional, Tanzania’s Medical Shops Division is conducting particular procurements of medicines for neurological issues with a purpose to deal with the dearth of entry to those medicines, together with levodopa/carbidopa for Parkinson illness and a number of other anti-seizure medicines.
Lastly, in a big step, Tanzania’s Nationwide Well being Insurance coverage Fund bundle 2024 (final up to date in 2016) now consists of a number of medicines for neurological issues, similar to levetiracetam, donepezil, levodopa/carbidopa, selegiline and baclofen, in addition to further preparations of lamotrigine and carbamazepine. These actions signify a significant step in direction of together with Parkinson illness and epilepsy as priorities within the public well being agenda of Tanzania.
Inhabitants-based prevalence research in Tanzania estimate that 450,000 folks stay with epilepsy, and 36,000 stay with Parkinson illness. Each issues exhibit alarmingly excessive prognosis and therapy gaps. As an illustration, of the estimated 450,000 folks with epilepsy, solely 166,788 obtained therapy, in line with the District Well being Data System (DHIS) 2022 information. Globally, neurological issues are the main reason for disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) and the second main reason for loss of life. Addressing this impression requires well-prepared and supported well being techniques to supply satisfactory care and enhance the well being and well-being of individuals dwelling with neurological issues. This burden can’t be lowered with out dependable and equitable entry to important medicines. A worldwide goal set by IGAP goals for 80% of nations to supply important medicines and fundamental applied sciences required to handle neurological issues in main care by 2031. Efforts in Tanzania display that reaching this aim is feasible.