Today, as the world marks World Laboratory Day, Tanzania Health Promotion Support (THPS) is celebrating significant milestones in strengthening laboratory systems across the country through its Afya Hatua Project. Funded by PEPFAR through the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the project is transforming diagnostic services, improving service delivery, and establishing a foundation for sustainable, high-quality laboratory services in Tanzania.
Expanding Molecular Testing Capacity
One of Afya Hatua’s flagship achievements is the enhancement of molecular testing capabilities in accordance with the national diagnostic laboratory network. In collaboration with Regional Health Management Teams (RHMTs) and health facilities, THPS has supported the establishment and operationalization of essential molecular laboratories.
The PCR Laboratory at Tanga Regional Referral Hospital is now fully functional for routine HIV viral load testing. Additionally, Kigoma’s Maweni Regional Referral Hospital has been equipped with start-up reagents for HIV viral load testing.
Laboratory personnel at Kigoma have also received comprehensive training, and lab verification is currently underway. Both laboratories are equipped with critical cold storage units to maintain the integrity of samples and reagents, ensuring reliable testing and results.
Digital Transformation: Integrating Laboratory and Clinical Systems
Understanding the importance of timely data for patient care, THPS has spearheaded efforts to integrate Laboratory Information Systems with Tanzania’s national Care and Treatment Clinics (CTC) database. Currently, nearly 100% of all CTCs in the Kigoma, Pwani, Shinyanga, and Tanga regions are digitally linked.
This integration allows the results of HIV viral load tests, early testing for babies born to mothers living with HIV, and Tuberculosis tests to be entered directly into patient records electronically. Consequently, clinicians receive results more quickly and can make prompt decisions for their patients.
Strengthening Core Laboratory Services
In all four regions where the Afya Hatua project is active, core laboratory services—including HIV viral load testing, TB diagnostics, CD4 counts, and rapid HIV testing—have significantly improved, reaching over 95% coverage for individuals living with HIV. Early testing for babies born to HIV-positive mothers has also increased, ensuring that those who need treatment receive it promptly.
Addressing Supply Chain Challenges
To ensure smooth laboratory operations, the Afya Hatua project has tackled frequent shortages of essential supplies, such as blood collection tubes and needles, by enhancing timely reporting and ordering processes, as well as by filling gaps during periods of shortage experienced by the Medical Stores Department.
Driving Quality Improvement and Sustainability
Beyond improving service delivery, the Afya Hatua project is also focused on enhancing laboratory quality and working toward accreditation. THPS has partnered with Regional and Council Health Management Teams (R/CHMTs) and facility managers to support calibration and maintain accreditation by providing technical assistance to laboratory personnel and facilitating necessary payments.
In a positive shift towards sustainability, facilities have started allocating internal budgets to cover these costs, indicating a growing sense of local ownership and commitment to long-term quality assurance.
A Healthier, Resilient Future
The interventions of the Afya Hatua project demonstrate how strategic investment in laboratory systems can transform healthcare delivery. From expanding molecular testing capabilities to supporting electronic result referrals and ensuring a steady supply of resources, the project has effectively bridged gaps in both access and quality.
As Tanzania honors its laboratory professionals on this World Laboratory Day, THPS celebrates their crucial contributions to saving lives, strengthening health systems, and shaping a more resilient future for all.
