Tanzania Human Resource Capacity Project—Quarterly Report, January—March 2012

The project's primary objective is to improve the availability, accessibility, and quality of health services in Tanzania. Implementation of the project's activities began in 2012, with a focus on four strategic objectives. Objective 1 aimed to support the national level government in human resource management, while Objective 2 focused on district HRH strengthening and development. Objective 3 also focused on district HRH strengthening and development, with a specific emphasis on developing a cadre of para-social workers. Objective 4 focused on district HRH strengthening and development, with a particular emphasis on improving maternal, newborn, and child health. Key activities implemented under the project include the development of a national staffing guidelines, the establishment of a human resource information system (HRIS), and the training of para-social workers. The HRIS was deployed to 57 local government authorities (LGAs) in the Lake and Northern Zones, with the system currently tracking 80,370 (41%) out of 197,795 LGA personnel. The project also supported a study tour to Namibia to identify best practices in rolling out a national HRIS. The project's efforts to develop a cadre of para-social workers have been significant, with IntraHealth training 254 para-social workers and 44 supervisors in Mtwara. The para-social workers provide psychosocial support and refer vulnerable children for various support services. The project has also conducted refresher training in Iringa region, training 233 para-social workers and 47 supervisors. Organizational development and capacity building have been key components of the project, with MSH reviewing the capacity building needs of BMAF and CSSC. BMAF has established various organizational systems, including financial management, HR, and IT systems, although some are not functioning at full capacity. The project has also developed an overall project communications strategy for the final project workplan year. The project has made significant progress in improving the availability, accessibility, and quality of health services in Tanzania. The establishment of a human resource information system has improved data management and tracking of health workers. The development of a cadre of para-social workers has improved psychosocial support and referral services for vulnerable children. The project's efforts to improve maternal, newborn, and child health have also been significant, with the establishment of a program to improve maternal, newborn, and child health in defined areas within five regions. The project's geographic focus is on Tanzania, with a particular emphasis on the Lake and Northern Zones. The project's timeframes are from January to March 2012, with planned activities for April to June 2012. The project's recommendations include the continued implementation of the HRIS, the expansion of the para-social worker program, and the improvement of maternal, newborn, and child health services.