Antimicrobial stewardship in Tanzania: A consideration of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and challenges for maintenance and further development of efforts
International Journal of Health Governance
ISSN: 2059-4631
Article publication date: 5 September 2016
Abstract
Purpose
Worldwide situation analysis on antimicrobial resistance (AMR) released in 2015 by the World Health Organisation (WHO) has revealed inadequate capability to respond to AMR in African region. Report of antibiotics use and resistance in Tanzania revealed rising levels of healthcare associated Methicilin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus infections; while other studies have reported high prevalence of Expanded Spectrum Beta-Lactamase (ESBL). The purpose of this paper is to review the current situation of antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) in Tanzania using strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and challenges (SWOC) analysis.
Design/methodology/approach
General literature review was done on use of antimicrobials in Google Scholar, websites of key organisations including WHO, and grey literature. Conceptual framework designed by the authors was used to inform SWOC analysis of the Tanzanian health sector.
Findings
The SWOC analysis has revealed much strength in the Tanzanian health sector indicating that increasing investments in laboratory services, in medicines Regulatory Authority and Pharmacy Council, and strengthening management teams at all levels of service delivery, including Medicines and Therapeutics Committees; and strengthening advocacy on rational use of antimicrobials both in humans and livestock will improve AMS.
Research limitations/implications
This is a general literature review. No interview of experts or use of questionnaires was used. However, based on the literature found and author’s experience in the health sector, the information contained is valid for consideration in making policy decisions about AMR in Tanzania.
Practical implications
Designing policy interventions to prevent development of AMR to commonly used antimicrobials.
Social implications
Improving social wellbeing in the community through prevention of morbidity and mortality resulting from multi-resistant pathogens.
Originality/value
This is the authors original idea backed by available literature.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
This paper is a product of general literature search both grey and published literature in journals, organisational websites (such as World Health Organisation; East African Community) and from available guidelines from various Sections, Units and Programmes of the Ministry of Health, Community Development, Gender, Elderly and Children (formerly, known as Ministry of Health and Social Welfare). I would like to thank all authors of the articles, developers of the various guidelines and reports, and websites cited for their good work that has informed the development of this paper.
Citation
Eliakimu, E. (2016), "Antimicrobial stewardship in Tanzania: A consideration of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and challenges for maintenance and further development of efforts", International Journal of Health Governance, Vol. 21 No. 3, pp. 150-164. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJHG-02-2016-0012
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2016, Emerald Group Publishing Limited