Global Programs Tanzania helps faculty investigators get project back on track

Mariastella Njau

On the morning of September 21, 2023, a fire in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania destroyed the study laboratory of Dr. Teresa Kortz, UCSF associate professor of Clinical Pediatrics. The laboratory, which is a crucial part of her NIH research project, is operated in collaboration with Dr. Joel Manyahi, a clinical microbiologist at Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences. Fortunately, no one was injured, but the fire resulted in the complete loss of all laboratory equipment and consumables, bringing the project to a halt having enrolled only half of the target sample size.

Kortz immediately reached out to Global Programs Tanzania for assistance. The staff, particularly Project Support Officer Mariastella Njau, quickly mobilized to contact vendors, arrange rapid payments, and coordinate deliveries. With their support, the necessary equipment and consumables were replaced, allowing the study to resume subject enrollment in less than three months. What initially seemed like a major setback turned into a testament to the efficiency of Global Programs, highlighting their unwavering commitment to supporting UCSF research.

User-centered TEPI dashboard launched for improved pediatric HIV identification

TEPI dashboard

The Global Programs Tanzania team successfully launched the TEPI (Targeted Enhanced Pediatric Identification) dashboard in May 2024, aiming to enhance HIV case identification among pediatric populations in Tanzania. The dashboard's development focused on user needs, with continuous feedback from implementing partners and field staff in Dodoma, Mbeya, and Mwanza regions. Designed to provide near-real-time data analysis, the dashboard integrates data from systems like CTC-Analytics and UCS, offering visualizations on crucial indicators such as pediatric contacts tested for HIV and early infant diagnosis rates. This approach allows stakeholders to monitor, evaluate, and improve pediatric identification initiatives effectively.

The team's user-centered development process, championed by HIS Director Peter Lubambi and supported by Data Analyst Beatrice Octavian, ensured the dashboard met user expectations while staying on schedule. With the first phase completed, the dashboard is set to address user feedback in its second phase, further enhancing its utility and impact on pediatric HIV identification efforts.

Lab Visual Application Updates

During the spring of 2024, Global Programs Tanzania launched a new version of the Lab Visual application and conducted orientation sessions at seven PCR laboratories across Tanzania. Attendees included representatives from the Ministry of Health, local government authorities, lab managers, ICT officers, the Global Programs team, and implementing partners. During these sessions, the team trained participants on data analysis and interpretation using the Lab Visual Application, while also gathering suggestions for improvements.

Moving forward, the team will hold bi-weekly Zoom meetings with end users to discuss system progress, share experiences, provide feedback on indicators, and offer technical assistance. These efforts aim to enhance laboratory operations and data utilization across all conventional laboratories.