Capacity building programs for DHMTs : a case study of Simanjiro district, Tanzania
Document type: mthesis
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Abstract:
District Health Management Team (DHMT) capacity is an important component in health service delivery in decentralized context. Little is documented about how to implement and sustain the capacity building interventions at the DHMT level in a resource constrained settings. This paper is a retrospective study of the Simanjiro Mother Child health capacity building project (2001-2007) in Tanzania. The objective of this paper is to analyze the Simanjiro DHMT capacity and project inputs by using the Potter and Brough capacity pyramid model. The goals of the health system can better reached by developing adequate capacities at THMT and health facility levels. This study found that the capacity building programs needs to be more comprehensive in addressing all the areas of Potter and Brough model. The activities implemented and approaches used by Skillshare International were successful and contributed in improving the vaccination coverage and Antenatal care coverage. Apart from classroom trainings the project used approaches like mentoring, coaching and on job training to build the DHMT capacity. The school health program had a positive effect on children by reducing the dropout rates. HMIS, Indent system and leadership development related activities helped DHMT to function better. However institutionalization of the capacity related indicators would have been more useful in measuring the project impact. Potter and Brough model is useful in analyzing the DHMT existing capacity systematically. The better diagnosis of gaps will help to design better capacity building programs which will eventually lead to effective utilization of limited resources. Based on the country experiences and the case study this paper concludes that a systematic approach is needed for building and sustaining the capacity of DHMT. A list of recommendations were made in the end and further research is needed on capacity development at DHMT level in resource limited settings.
Authors:
Kokku, S.B.
Country:
Tanzania, United Republic of
Category:
Research
Department:
Development Policy & Practice
Institute:
KIT (Royal Tropical Institute)
Keywords:
health services
,
capacity building
Language:
eng
Organization:
KIT - Royal Tropical Institute
PAGE:
xiii, 66
Year:
2009
Region:
East Africa
Right:
© 2009 Kokku
Subject:
Health and Nutrition
Title:
Capacity building programs for DHMTs : a case study of Simanjiro district, Tanzania
Training:
Master of Public Health / International Course in Health Development (ICHD)