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Abstract

Diabetes mellitus is an increasingly significant non-communicable disease (NCD) in Tanzania. Rising urbanization, poor dietary habits, and sedentary lifestyles have contributed to the escalation of diabetes prevalence nationwide. This paper explores diabetes cases in Tanzania, analyzes policy responses, highlights national efforts and programs addressing the disease, and evaluates successes achieved in managing the epidemic.

Introduction

Diabetes mellitus has become one of the most pressing public health issues in Tanzania, reflecting a growing global trend in NCDs. The disease results from the body’s inability to regulate blood glucose, either due to insufficient insulin production or ineffective insulin utilization. In Tanzania, the shift from traditional diets and active lifestyles to more sedentary urban living has fueled a rapid increase in diabetes cases (World Health Organization [WHO], 2022).

Current Situation and Statistics

The International Diabetes Federation (IDF, 2023) estimates that approximately 1.7 million Tanzanians are living with diabetes, with nearly 60% remaining undiagnosed. Urban areas such as Dar es Salaam, Arusha, and Mwanza report higher prevalence rates due to lifestyle and dietary changes.

• Type 2 diabetes accounts for about 90% of all cases, largely linked to obesity and aging.
• Type 1 diabetes is common among children and adolescents, requiring lifelong insulin therapy.
• Common complications include cardiovascular disease, retinopathy, and renal failure (Tanzania Diabetes Association [TDA], 2023).

These trends indicate a growing burden on Tanzania’s healthcare system and economy

Policy Framework Addressing Diabetes

The Tanzanian government has adopted several strategies and policies aimed at addressing diabetes and other NCDs:

1. National Non-Communicable Diseases Strategy (2016–2020) – Focused on prevention, early detection, and treatment through primary healthcare integration.
2. Health Sector Strategic Plan V (HSSP V) 2021–2026 – Promotes improved diabetes care delivery, monitoring, and public education (Ministry of Health [MoH], 2021).
3. National Health Policy (2021) – Recognizes diabetes as a key nationalth concern and calls for enhanced resource allocation.
4. National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) – Expands access to diabetes medication and diagnostic services across the country.

National Involvement and Institutional Efforts

The Tanzania Diabetes Association (TDA), in partnership with the Ministry of Health, plays a central role in diabetes management, advocacy, and professional training. Key institutions include:

• Muhimbili National Hospital (MNH): Provides specialized diabetes and endocrine care.
• Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac Institute (JKCI): Manages diabetes-related cardiovascular conditions.
• Tanzania NCD Alliance (TANCDA): Advocates for public health interventions and policy reforms.

Additionally, international organizations such as WHO, World Diabetes Foundation (WDF), and IDF collaborate with Tanzania to strengthen diabetes research, training, and infrastructure (WDF, 2022).

Programs and Interventions

Tanzania has implemented several diabetes-focused programs:

• WHO STEPS Survey: Collects data on diabetes risk factors nationwide (WHO, 2022).
• Diabetes Youth Care (DYC) Program: Provides insulin and psychosocial support to young patients.
• Tanzania Diabetes Youth Alliance (TDYA): Promotes awareness and peer education.
• Community Screening Initiatives: Offer free glucose testing and counseling at community levels.
• Healthy Lifestyle Campaigns: Encourage dietary balance, exercise, and smoking cessation.

Successes and Achievements

Notable achievements in Tanzania’s diabetes response include:

• Establishment of diabetes clinics in more than 80 district hospitals.
• Improved availability of insulin and essential drugs through government and donor funding.
• Training of healthcare professionals in diabetes management and counseling.
• Increased public awareness, particularly during World Diabetes Day events.
• Improved data systems for monitoring and evaluation (TDA, 2023; MoH, 2021).

Challenges

Despite progress, several challenges persist:

• Limited funding for NCD programs compared to communicable diseases.
• Inequitable access to diagnostic tools and insulin in rural areas.
• Low public awareness resulting in late diagnosis.
• Cultural stigma and misconceptions about diabetes.

Addressing these requires multi-sectoral collaboration and stronger community engagement.

Conclusion

Tanzania’s experience demonstrates the growing burden of diabetes in Sub-Saharan Africa. Through national policy frameworks, healthcare system strengthening, and collaboration with global partners, Tanzania has made commendable progress in diabetes control. However, sustained funding, early detection efforts, and nationwide education campaigns are crucial to ensure long-term success in combating diabetes and related complications.

References

International Diabetes Federation. (2023). IDF Diabetes Atlas (10th ed.). Brussels, Belgium: IDF. Ministry of Health (MoH). (2021). Health Sector Strategic Plan V (HSSP V) 2021–2026. Dodoma, Tanzania: Government of Tanzania. National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). (2020). Tanzania Demographic and Health Survey (TDHS). Dar es Salaam, Tanzania: NBS. Tanzania Diabetes Association (TDA). (2023). Annual Report on Diabetes Programs and Interventions in Tanzania. Dar es Salaam: TDA. World Diabetes Foundation (WDF). (2022). Strengthening Diabetes Care in Tanzania: Program Summary. Bagsværd, Denmark: WDF. World Health Organization (WHO). (2022). Noncommunicable Diseases Country Profiles: Tanzania. Geneva, Switzerland: WHO.