THPS joins the Government of Tanzania in the fight against COVID 19
Working with the GOT, MOHCDGEC, PO-RALG, Ministry of Home Affairs, THPS has a goal of protecting THPS staff, HCWs, sub granted staff, volunteers (PE, LC, CPE) and clients (PLHIV)from impact of COVID and ensuring that the effects on Corona Disease pandemic (COVID) 19 are minimal by adhering to evidence based preventive measures.
Strategies and Activities:
Since the beginning of the epidemic in March 2020, THPS with support of PEPFAR and Global Fund resources has done the following:
- Sensitization of THPS staff to adhere to all preventive measures (hand hygiene, continuous use of masks, social distancing)
- Facilitate the availability of hand washing facilities, PPE, masks and MOHCDGEC approved IEC at 235 supported health facilities acrossthe country.
- Training of HCWs and community workers/Peer Educators on COVID prevention and vaccine advocacy using MOHCDGEC modules
- Provide masks, sanitizers and handwashing facilities to all outreach teams including community health workers
- Integration of COVID 19 vaccination within HIV, TB and RCH services including outreach and facility-based services
- Reporting and tracking vaccination status of targeted groups above
- Support and facilitate R/CHMTs to implement vaccination acceleration plan by providing fuel, payment of perdiem to staff working extra hours
- Printing of MOHCDGEC approved IEC materials and distribution to all supported HFs
- Provide ongoing COVID 19 vaccine TV broadcasting on advantages of vaccine at waiting areas of HIV and TB clinics
- Placement of banners and signage on Vaccination points within HFs.
- Sensitizing and promoting COVID 19 vaccination among THPS staff, sub granted staff, HCWs, PEs/Community Health workers and PLHIV. As of 25th October,94% (172/182)of THPS staff are vaccinated, and 81% (368/452) sub granted staff across Pwani, Kigoma and Shinyanga are vaccinated.THPS also continues to reportand sensitize vaccinationof community expert clients (CEC) and community volunteers (COV). During the same period, we reported vaccination of 21/50 (42%) COV inPwani and 41/70 (59 %) in Kigoma.
- During the same period PLHIV above 20 years in 27 high volume health facilities vaccinated werePwani:747/ 4,369 (17%); Kigoma: 141/668(21%);Shinyanga:129/8,707 (1.5%).
- Due to stockouts of Johnson and Johnson vaccine, THPS facilitated redistribution of vaccine across sites with RHMT and distribution of additional vaccine Sino pharm doses received (37,841 doses in Shinyanga; 25,000 doses in Pwani and 53,000 doses in Kigoma
- Supported placement of COVID vaccination desks within the CTC and RCH in Health facilities of supported regions
- Distributed the MOHCGEC letter on COVID Vaccination among Pregnant and breastfeeding women milestones
- Conduct joint CDC/RCHMT and THPS Supportive Supervision on Vaccine uptake.
- Minimize in person meetings and trainings and if needed adhere to GOT/PEPFAR guidance. If physical the rooms are large with large space between participants and continuous use of masks and hand sanitizers. Additionally, meetings are conducted virtually.