As the TRACCTION approaches its conclusion, the project team held a key engagement meeting on July 9, 2025, in Ifakara Town to express heartfelt gratitude to the local stakeholders who have supported the research over the past three years. 

Implemented by the Ifakara Health Institute and partners—including the Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute—the project focused on reducing delays in cervical cancer treatment and strengthening the continuum of care for women in Morogoro Region.

A thank you to local partners

The purpose of the meeting was to thank individuals and institutions that have contributed to the successful implementation of the project in Ifakara Town and surrounding areas. The TRACCTION team—led by Dr. Sally Mtenga (Local Principal Investigator), Dr. Grace Mhalu (Project Coordinator), and PhD student Magreth Somba—met with primary healthcare stakeholders to reflect on the journey and acknowledge the value of collaboration.

Visit to Kibaoni Health Center

The team visited Kibaoni Health Center, one of the research sites, to personally thank the facility’s staff and leadership for their dedication and cooperation. They also extended appreciation to the Town Medical Officer’s office for their consistent support throughout the study. This visit was not just a courtesy—it served as a symbol of mutual respect and recognition of the community’s role in enabling research to improve women’s health.

Engagement with St. Francis Hospital

The team also held a meeting with the management of St. Francis Hospital to share final project updates and offer appreciation for the hospital’s longstanding collaboration. The hospital has played a critical role in facilitating access to care and supporting cervical cancer research under the TRACCTION project.

Shared reflections and remarks

The meeting was highly productive, fostering meaningful dialogue between the TRACCTION team and local stakeholders. Participants worked together to outline a roadmap for strengthening cervical cancer screening and treatment research, with a focus on practical policy and program implications within the district. Preliminary findings from the project will be used to inform advocacy efforts and guide public awareness messaging during future outreach activities.

Project achievements at a glance

Throughout its three-year implementation in Ifakara Town, Idete, and Mbingu, TRACCTION has: Identified barriers and opportunities for increasing cervical cancer screening through community-level data collection, including women’s perspectives. Strengthened data systems for improved coordination of care for women living with and without HIV.

These insights will now inform public awareness efforts and future policy discussions at both the district and national level.

For more information about the project, please refer to the protocol publication at https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.07.11.24310271v1

With the final phase underway, the TRACCTION team is preparing for a national and district-level dissemination event scheduled for later this year. This event will present key findings, share recommendations, and celebrate the collective contributions of all partners involved.

Stakeholders in attendance

The meeting was attended by key health stakeholders from Ifakara Town, including the Town Medical Officer, the Town Reproductive and Child Health Coordinator, the Town Nursing Officer, and the Town Health Secretary. Also present were the Medical Officer In-Charge from Kibaoni Health Center, the Medical Officer In-Charge from St. Francis Hospital, and the St. Francis CeCAP Management Officer.