What are the challenges of the Tanzanian public health system, a representative country for health planning under resources constraints? Which are the sociopolitical preconditions and how does the situation differ from that found in a resources-rich country like Switzerland? What is the impact of changes in society against a backdrop of limited resources? What is the impact of a dramatic crises like the covid-19 pandemic on the health and social systems and thus the well-being of population groups? We will discuss these complex issues with leading experts in the field.
This seminar in Tanzania will focus on the interaction between public health and the socio-political and ecological systems in a country with limited resources, using concrete examples from Tanzania. Our approach will also aim at taking both a holistic and comparative view of medical, social, ecological and economic and political factors across systems and cultures and thus, encompassing a transdisciplinary consideration of global health issues. This will enable an analysis of the local Tanzanian situation both in an international and also in the specific Swiss context.
In interactive classes and small groups, participants will examine different aspects of planning health and social systems at district level considering public health care within public versus private sectors and understand roles and responsibilities of the stakeholders involved.. Against the background of case studies that will set the basis for a comprehensive planning exercise, participants will gain an understanding of the key determinants of health and social planning within limited resources. This will promote the analytical and decision-making skills of participants for the key areas of priority setting and resources allocation. Consequently, the overarching questions and approaches to understand how populations and systems with limited resources can integrate into the three phases of ‘become healthy – be healthy –and remain healthy’.
Half of the participants will be Tanzanian students and professionals who will take part in the whole seminar. Local guest speakers with long term expertise and experience will facilitate discussions and group work, sharing their experience and giving specific insights into the situation in Tanzania.
The Ifakara Health Institute (IHI), the host of this seminar, is one of the most renowned research, training and service organisations on the African continent. It began in 1949 as a research and training partnership with the Swiss Tropical Institute (now the Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute; Swiss TPH) before becoming the Swiss Tropical Institute Field Laboratory in 1956 and an independent Tanzanian trust in 1996, its development supported and aided by a strong partnership with Switzerland. Today, the institute’s work spans a wide range of sciences including biomedical, ecological and health systems research and remains a close partner of Swiss TPH and Switzerland together with many other key partners around the world. The seminar will be led by Professor Marcel Tanner and Professor Mirko Winkler, further enriched by the significant experience of Dr Honorati Masanja, Dr Kafuruki Shubis, Dr Hassan Mshinda, Dr Deo Mtasiwa and numerous other Tanzanian scientists and public health practioners.
Leaders: Professor Marcel Tanner (President of the Swiss Academies of Arts and Sciences and Director Emeritus of the Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Professor and Chair em. of Epidemiology and Public Health), Professor Mirko Winkler (Head of the Urban Public Health Unit at the Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute and University of Basel). Dr Honorati Masanja (Director IHI), Dr Kafuruki Shubis (Head of Teaching/Training IHI) and Dr Hassan Mshinda (Former Director of the IHI and Director General Emeritus of the Tanzania Commission for Science & Technology, Senior Consultant to the Botnar Foundation), Dr. Deo Mtasiwa, permanent secretary emeritus, Ministry of Health, Tanzania
Organisation: Dr. Klara Sekanina, Dr. Lydia Tchambaz (Swiss Study Foundation)
Administration: Nathalie Ellington
Dates:
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- Preparatory event: Saturday, 11.11.2023 10:15-16:00 in Basel (mandatory)
- Seminar: Saturday 13 January – Thursday 25 January 2024 in Bagamoyo
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Location: Bagamoyo, Tanzania: Bagamoyo Research and Training Centre (BRTC) of the Ifakara Health Institute (IHI)
Accommodation: Travellers Lodge
Working Language: English
Programme: Interactive speeches and presentations on theory by seminar leaders and external experts as well as extensive group work on health planning simulations. Excursions to local/regional health and research institutions. Discussions with regional stakeholders. Guided visits to Bagamoyo and Saadani National Park.
Preparatory reading: No reader will be provided. Own initiative is requested and you are expected to gain by yourself a broad overview of the Swiss health system prior to the seminar. Important and essential preparation is the preparatory day on 11.11.2023.
Participants: max. 15. Only students who did not participate in the previous seminars in Tanzania are eligible to participate.
Costs: CHF 600 (incl. flights, accommodation, excursions and most meals). In exceptional cases, this fee may be waived.
Additional Remarks:
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- The seminar will only be held if the sanitary crisis (currently still Corona pandemic) allows it. In both countries – besides the national regulations – we have experts in the field on board who will closely monitor the situation.
- Attendance at the preparatory 1-day event in Switzerland is a prerequisite for attending the seminar.
- Please note that living standards in Tanzania are lower than in Switzerland. Participants will be accommodated in a local guest house.
- Participants are responsible for their own medical precautions. Please ensure that you have informed yourself about any necessary steps.
- The seminar is intended to be a study seminar on a key issue, not a tour of the country or an immersion in Tanzanian life (e.g. the guest houses are not representative of how locals live). The main part of the seminar will therefore take place at the training centre and in local health and research institutions. However, the expert knowledge of the seminar leaders, visits and excursions and the contact with attending local students will provide you with a deep insight into the Tanzanian health and social systems and its cultural background.
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