Inauguration of Tanzanian Training Centre for International Health in Ifakara
After two years of extensive work, the old Clinical Officer Training Centre in Ifakara, Tanzania, was transformed into a state-of-the-art training centre that can respond to Tanzanian health training needs, and meet international demand. The Tanzanian Training Centre for International Health (TTCIH) was set up through a public-private partnership between the Tanzanian government, the Novartis Foundation for Sustainable Development, the Swiss Agency for Development and Co-operation, and the Swiss Tropical Institute.
April 11, 2006 - The new centre offers training for Assistant Medical Officers (AMO) – a key position in the Tanzanian health system – making it one out of only five centers in the country to provide the training. The new centre now also has the capacity to host courses from external providers and thus gain precious income in order to increase financial self-reliance. The Swiss Tropical Institute has already transferred three courses to Ifakara.
The Minister for Health and Social Welfare of Tanzania, David Homeli Mwakyusa, inaugurated the TTCIH in Ifakara on April 11th. He emphasized the importance of qualified national health care staff in order to improve access to quality and efficient primary health services at district level for all populations and especially the most vulnerable ones, who often live in rural areas.
Speakers included Walter Fust, Director General of the Swiss Agency for Development and Co-operation (SDC), and Klaus Leisinger, President and CEO of the Novartis Foundation for Sustainable Development (NFSD). Both emphasized the exemplary partnership that led to the successful transformation of the centre.
Making a reference to the history of Ifakara, Klaus Leisinger said that in the 60s, Professor Rudolf Geigy had turned his vision of linking health research, training and medical practice into reality. That marked the start of a collaboration between the private and public sectors in Ifakara, with the Basel-based industry financing the creation of the TTCIH predecessor while the Swiss Tropical Institute was the implementing agency.
The TTCIH now enjoys a semi-autonomous status, and a Board of Governors (including relevant districts, regional, national and international players) ensures optimal coordination. In addition, management and core competences have been strengthened through a mix of elements such as financial controlling, marketing, performance-based payment system and service quality monitoring.
For more information: www.healthtrainingifakara.org