Leveraging Sub-national Collaboration and Influence for Improving Animal Health Surveillance and Response: A Stakeholder Mapping in Tanzania

Animal health surveillance plays a vital role in ensuring public health, animal welfare, and sustainable food production by monitoring disease trends, early detecting (new) hazards, facilitating disease control and infection, and providing data for risk analysis. Good stakeholder collaboration across the sector can lead to better communication, better science and decision-making and more effective surveillance and response. An understanding of relevant stakeholders, their interests and their power can facilitate such collaboration. While information on key stakeholders in animal health surveillance is available at the national level in Tanzania, it is missing at the subnational level. The study aimed to explore the existing stakeholders' collaborations and influences at the subnational level through stakeholder mapping and to determine potential leverage points for improving the national animal health surveillance system. A qualitative design was used, involving consultative workshops with government animal health practitioners in Sumbawanga, Sikonge and Kilombero districts of Tanzania from December 2020 to January 2021. Data were collected using an adapted USAID stakeholder collaboration mapping tool with the following steps: (i) Define the objective (ii) Identify all stakeholders (iii) Take stock of the current relationships (iv) Determine resource-based influence (v) Determine non-resource based influence and (vi) Review and revise the collaboration map. Forty-five stakeholders were identified in all three districts and grouped into four categories: private sector and non-government organizations (n = 16), government (n = 16), community (n = 9) and political leaders (n = 4). Animal health practitioners had a stronger relationship with community stakeholders as compared to other categories. The results also showed that most of the stakeholders have non-resource-based influence compared to resource-based influence. The private sector and non-government organizations have a relatively higher number of resource-based influential stakeholders, while political leaders have more non-resource-based influence. The mapping exercise demonstrated that the system could benefit from community mobilization and sensitization, resource mobilization and expanding the horizon of surveillance data sources. Some of the leverage points include integration of surveillance activities into animal health services, clear operational processes, constant engagement, coordination and incentivization of stakeholders. The diversity in the identified stakeholders across the districts suggests that collaborations are contextual and socially constructed.

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Cholera Public Health Surveillance System in Cameroon

Online Journal of Public Health Informatics ◽

10.5210/ojphi.v7i1.5816 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 7 (1) ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Moise C. Ngwa ◽

Song Liang ◽

Leonard Mbam ◽

Mouhaman Arabi ◽

Andrew Teboh ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Data Analysis ◽

Surveillance System ◽

Disease Surveillance ◽

Public Health Surveillance ◽

National Level ◽

Health Surveillance ◽

Rapid Response ◽

Surveillance And Response ◽

Public Health Surveillance System

Public health surveillance is essential for early detection and rapid response to cholera outbreaks. In 2003, Cameroon adopted the integrated disease surveillance and response (IDSR) strategy. We describe cholera surveillance within IDSR-strategy in Cameroon. Data is captured at health facility, forwarded to health district that compiles and directs data to RDPH in paper format. RDPH sends the data to the national level via internet and from there to the WHO. The surveillance system is passive with no data analysis at districts. Thus the goal of IDSR-strategy of data analysis and rapid response at the district has not been met yet.

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The Governance and Implementation of the National Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance in Tanzania: A Qualitative Study

Antibiotics ◽

10.3390/antibiotics10030273 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (3) ◽

pp. 273

Author(s):

Gasto Frumence ◽

Leonard E. G. Mboera ◽

Calvin Sindato ◽

Bugwesa Z. Katale ◽

Sharadhuli Kimera ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Antimicrobial Resistance ◽

Action Plan ◽

Animal Health ◽

National Level ◽

Governance Structure ◽

National Action Plan ◽

Governance Framework ◽

Health Practitioners ◽

Facility Level ◽

Depth Interviews

Tanzania launched its first National Action Plan (NAP) on antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in 2017 to reduce the burden of AMR in the country and contribute to the global response. We aimed to analyze the implementation of the NAP on AMR in Tanzania using the governance framework. In-depth interviews were conducted with human and animal health practitioners and national-level policy actors. We adapted Chua’s AMR governance framework to analyze the development and implementation of the NAP in Tanzania. Implementation of the NAP has realized several achievements, including: (i) the establishment of a functioning Multi-Sectoral Coordinating Committee for coordinating the implementation of AMR activities; (ii) existence of governance structure; (iii) establishment of human and animal surveillance sites; (iv) creation of AMR awareness in the community and (v) availability of guidelines at the health facility level to ensure AMR stewardship. However, some dimensions of the governance areas, including reporting and feedback mechanisms, accountability, transparency and sustainability of AMR plans, are not effectively implemented. Addressing these challenges should involve strengthening the collaboration of the different sectors involved at different NAP implementation levels by careful planning and coordination, and provision of adequate resources to ensure sustainability.

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Assessment of surveillance core and support functions regarding neglected tropical diseases in Kenya

BMC Public Health ◽

10.1186/s12889-021-10185-1 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Arthur K. S. Ng’etich ◽

Kuku Voyi ◽

Clifford M. Mutero

Keyword(s):

Data Analysis ◽

Surveillance System ◽

Qualitative Data ◽

Neglected Tropical Diseases ◽

National Level ◽

World Health ◽

Tropical Diseases ◽

Support Functions ◽

Specimen Handling ◽

Surveillance And Response

Abstract Background Effective surveillance and response systems are vital to achievement of disease control and elimination goals. Kenya adopted the revised guidelines of the integrated disease surveillance and response system in 2012. Previous assessments of surveillance system core and support functions in Africa are limited to notifiable diseases with minimal attention given to neglected tropical diseases amenable to preventive chemotherapy (PC-NTDs). The study aimed to assess surveillance system core and support functions relating to PC-NTDs in Kenya. Methods A mixed method cross-sectional survey was adapted involving 192 health facility workers, 50 community-level health workers and 44 sub-national level health personnel. Data was collected using modified World Health Organization generic questionnaires, observation checklists and interview schedules. Descriptive summaries, tests of associations using Pearson’s Chi-square or Fisher’s exact tests and mixed effects regression models were used to analyse quantitative data. Qualitative data derived from interviews with study participants were coded and analysed thematically. Results Surveillance core and support functions in relation to PC-NTDs were assessed in comparison to an indicator performance target of 80%. Optimal performance reported on specimen handling (84%; 100%), reports submission (100%; 100%) and data analysis (84%; 80%) at the sub-county and county levels respectively. Facilities achieved the threshold on reports submission (84%), reporting deadlines (88%) and feedback (80%). However, low performance reported on case definitions availability (60%), case registers (19%), functional laboratories (52%) and data analysis (58%). Having well-equipped laboratories (3.07, 95% CI: 1.36, 6.94), PC-NTDs provision in reporting forms (3.20, 95% CI: 1.44, 7.10) and surveillance training (4.15, 95% CI: 2.30, 7.48) were associated with higher odds of functional surveillance systems. Challenges facing surveillance activities implementation revealed through qualitative data were in relation to surveillance guidelines and reporting tools, data analysis, feedback, supervisory activities, training and resource provision. Conclusion There was evidence of low-performing surveillance functions regarding PC-NTDs especially at the peripheral surveillance levels. Case detection, registration and confirmation, reporting, data analysis and feedback performed sub-optimally at the facility and community levels. Additionally, support functions including standards and guidelines, supervision, training and resources were particularly weak at the sub-national level. Improved PC-NTDs surveillance performance sub-nationally requires strengthened capacities.

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Towards an integrated animal health surveillance system in Tanzania: making better use of existing and potential data sources for early warning surveillance

BMC Veterinary Research ◽

10.1186/s12917-021-02789-x ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 17 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Janeth George ◽

Barbara Häsler ◽

Erick Komba ◽

Calvin Sindato ◽

Mark Rweyemamu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Early Warning ◽

Surveillance System ◽

Animal Health ◽

Health Surveillance ◽

Surveillance Data ◽

Data Sources ◽

Surveillance Systems ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Traceability System ◽

Spatial Coverage

Abstract Background Effective animal health surveillance systems require reliable, high-quality, and timely data for decision making. In Tanzania, the animal health surveillance system has been relying on a few data sources, which suffer from delays in reporting, underreporting, and high cost of data collection and transmission. The integration of data from multiple sources can enhance early detection and response to animal diseases and facilitate the early control of outbreaks. This study aimed to identify and assess existing and potential data sources for the animal health surveillance system in Tanzania and how they can be better used for early warning surveillance. The study used a mixed-method design to identify and assess data sources. Data were collected through document reviews, internet search, cross-sectional survey, key informant interviews, site visits, and non-participant observation. The assessment was done using pre-defined criteria. Results A total of 13 data sources were identified and assessed. Most surveillance data came from livestock farmers, slaughter facilities, and livestock markets; while animal dip sites were the least used sources. Commercial farms and veterinary shops, electronic surveillance tools like AfyaData and Event Mobile Application (EMA-i) and information systems such as the Tanzania National Livestock Identification and Traceability System (TANLITS) and Agricultural Routine Data System (ARDS) show potential to generate relevant data for the national animal health surveillance system. The common variables found across most sources were: the name of the place (12/13), animal type/species (12/13), syndromes (10/13) and number of affected animals (8/13). The majority of the sources had good surveillance data contents and were accessible with medium to maximum spatial coverage. However, there was significant variation in terms of data frequency, accuracy and cost. There were limited integration and coordination of data flow from the identified sources with minimum to non-existing automated data entry and transmission. Conclusion The study demonstrated how the available data sources have great potential for early warning surveillance in Tanzania. Both existing and potential data sources had complementary strengths and weaknesses; a multi-source surveillance system would be best placed to harness these different strengths.

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Prospects for architects in the Government Sector

International Journal of Students Research in Technology & Management ◽

10.18510/ijsrtm.2021.943 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (4) ◽

pp. 27-39

Author(s):

Disha Garg ◽

Kartik Sharma ◽

Parul Nayar ◽

Shubhi Goyal ◽

Shruti S Nagdeve

Keyword(s):

Graduate Students ◽

Private Sector ◽

Professional Life ◽

Thought Process ◽

The Public ◽

Government Organizations ◽

Private Practices ◽

Government Sector ◽

The Government

Purpose: With the conception of one’s professional life, it is essential to understand all the possibilities and opportunities that lie before them. In the case of architecture, there exists a bias towards the private sector where newly graduate students aspire to work in private practices and possibly even envision a practice of their own at a certain point in life. While there is nothing wrong with envisioning a future in the private sector, it is also essential to be aware about the public sector and understand the opportunities it provides to be able to make an informed decision. There is a preconceived notion about the monotonous nature of government jobs and a lack of awareness about students about the opportunities in this sector. Hence, it becomes crucial to understand the numerous opportunities this sector has to offer and thus, explore the potential of architects in government organizations. Methodology: The research for this paper has been done by referring to existing literature and interviews with concerned people. With an understanding of how and why is the government sector an essential area of research for budding architects and planners. The research was done through interviews and possible case studies was done based on review of existing literature. Main Findings: The government is one sector with tremendous possibilities in the realm of architecture but is often plagued with stereotypes and preconceptions which have emerged over the years. It is imagined to be “lazy”, “uninnovative” and “non-productive” but this sector has evolved over the recent years and is now shaping to be one of the more lucrative sectors for practice. The number of perks, benefits and a clear comparative advantage of a higher salary, added with the direct contribution towards serving the nation, the government sector clearly has an unrealised potential for architectural professionals. Implications: With younger architetcs having preconceived notions about role of architetcs in a government sector limited to unexciting set of designs without creativity, this article may help bring a fresh thought process to choose professional sector wisely.

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Development and validation of a framework to improve neglected tropical diseases surveillance and response at the sub-national level in Kenya

10.1101/2021.05.18.21256594 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Arthur Kipkemoi Saitabau Ng'etich ◽

Kuku Voyi ◽

Clifford Maina Mutero

Keyword(s):

Disease Transmission ◽

Neglected Tropical Diseases ◽

Methodological Approach ◽

National Level ◽

Primary Data ◽

Second Phase ◽

Tropical Diseases ◽

Preventive Chemotherapy ◽

Response System ◽

Surveillance And Response

Background Assessment of surveillance and response system functions focusing on notifiable diseases has widely been documented in literature. However, there is limited focus on diseases targeted for elimination or eradication, particularly preventive chemotherapy neglected tropical diseases (PC-NTDs). There are limited strategies to guide strengthening of surveillance and response system functions concerning PC-NTDs. The aim of this study was to develop and validate a framework to improve surveillance and response to PC-NTDs at the sub-national level in Kenya. Methods Framework development adopted a multi-phased approach. The first phase involved a systematic literature review of surveillance assessment studies conducted in Africa to derive generalised recommendations. The second phase utilised primary data surveys to identify disease-specific recommendations to improve PC-NTDs surveillance in Kenya. The third phase utilised a Delphi survey to assess stakeholders consensus on feasible recommendations. The fourth phase drew critical lessons from existing conceptual frameworks. The final validated framework was based on resolutions and inputs from concerned stakeholders. Results Framework components constituted inputs with the first domain combining surveillance tools, equipment and infrastructure while the second domain combined financial, technical and logistical support. Processes were categorised into four sub-domains with activities for strengthening existing surveillance tools, surveillance core, support and attribute functions. The intended results phase comprised of ten distinct outputs with the anticipated outcomes categorised into three sub domains. Lastly, the overall impact alluded to reduced disease burden, halted disease transmission and reduced costs for implementing treatment interventions to achieve PC-NTDs control and elimination. Conclusion In view of the mixed methodological approach used to develop the framework coupled with further inputs and consensus among concerned stakeholders, the validated framework appears to be relevant in guiding decisions by policy makers to strengthen the existing surveillance and response system functions towards achieving PC-NTDs elimination.

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Strengthening existing healthcare systems for sustainable animal welfare.

10.1079/9781789247237.0011 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 161-177

Author(s):

Shereene Williams ◽

Laura Skippen

Keyword(s):

Animal Welfare ◽

Animal Health ◽

National Level ◽

Healthcare Systems ◽

Health Coverage ◽

Local Systems ◽

Last Mile ◽

Global Agenda ◽

Universal Health ◽

Human Healthcare

Abstract More can be achieved by working with what is already in place, compared with creating new systems that undermine local systems and traditions. However, creating lasting improvements in animal health systems at a national level is an ambitious task. Last-mile human healthcare is a key issue in the drive to achieve universal health coverage for all people and looking to the ways that humanitarian agencies are trying to achieve this will be key in driving this forwards for all animals in the future. To push animal welfare up the global agenda and create a catalyst for change, referencing solely animal welfare is not enough. Drawing on linkages between people, the planet and animals is essential.

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Prosocial Motivation of Private Sector IT Professionals Joining Government

Review of Public Personnel Administration ◽

10.1177/0734371x19886058 ◽

2019 ◽

pp. 0734371X1988605

Author(s):

Ines Mergel ◽

Nicola Bellé ◽

Greta Nasi

Keyword(s):

Public Sector ◽

Private Sector ◽

Work Motivation ◽

Self Determination Theory ◽

It Professionals ◽

The Public ◽

Government Organizations ◽

Prosocial Motivation ◽

Public Sector Organizations ◽

Comprehensive Framework

Attracting highly skilled IT talent has become a priority and an immense burden for government organizations—especially when they have other—higher paying—employment opportunities. We set out to explore why IT professionals choose a government job to make an impact on society. We aim at disentangling the effects of different types of motives, such as extrinsic, intrinsic, and other-oriented motivational forces on the decision to accept a challenging government IT job. We use self-determination theory (SDT) to analyze publicly available statements of former private sector IT professionals reporting their reason for joining 18F. Our study is one of the first attempts to use SDT as a comprehensive framework for conducting qualitative research into work motivation in the public sector. We shed light on the conceptual and empirical distinctiveness of motives, behaviors, and perceptions of prosocial impact, which are often lumped together in the public service motivation (PSM) literature. We contribute novel empirical evidence to a nascent stream of research that uses SDT to disentangle the intrinsic, prosocial, and purely extrinsic motives that drive individuals’ decisions to join public-sector organizations.

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Co-Produced Care in Veterinary Services: A Qualitative Study of UK Stakeholders’ Perspectives

Veterinary Sciences ◽

10.3390/vetsci7040149 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 7 (4) ◽

pp. 149

Author(s):

Alison Z. Pyatt ◽

Keith Walley ◽

Gillian H. Wright ◽

Emma C. L. Bleach

Keyword(s):

Service Provision ◽

Animal Health ◽

Complex Nature ◽

Veterinary Services ◽

Structured Interviews ◽

Health Service Provision ◽

Services Sector ◽

Health Practitioners ◽

Prior Experiences

Changes in client behaviour and expectations, and a dynamic business landscape, amplify the already complex nature of veterinary and animal health service provision. Drawing on prior experiences, veterinary clients increasingly pursue enhanced involvement in services and have expectations of relationship-centred care. Co-production as a conceptualisation of reciprocity in service provision is a fundamental offering in the services sector, including human medicine, yet the role of co-production in veterinary services has been minimally explored. Utilising a service satisfaction framework, semi-structured interviews (n = 13) were completed with three veterinary stakeholder groups, veterinarians, allied animal health practitioners, and veterinary clients. Interview transcript data were subject to the qualitative data analysis techniques, thematic analysis and grounded theory, to explore relationship-centred care and subsequently conceptualise co-production service for the sector. Six latent dimensions of service were emergent, defined as: empathy, bespoke care, professional integrity, value for money, confident relationships, and accessibility. The dimensions strongly advocate wider sector adoption of a co-produced service, and a contextualised co-production framework is presented. Pragmatic challenges associated with integration of active veterinary clients in a practitioner–client partnership are evident. However, adopting a people-centric approach to veterinary services and partnerships with clients can confer the advantages of improved client satisfaction, enhanced treatment adherence and outcomes, and business sustainability.

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