The CARECHAIN-NCD project implemented by Ifakara Health Institute, conducted a three-day training to strengthen the capacity of primary healthcare workers in managing Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) in the Kilombero Valley. The training took place from November 11–13, 2025, at the St. Francis Regional Referral Hospital in Ifakara, Morogoro.

The training is part of the CARECHAIN-NCD project’s broader goal to equip primary health workers with relevant, evidence-based knowledge and skills for effective NCDs management.

By empowering healthcare workers with the right tools and training, the project seeks to improve the quality of care for people living with chronic conditions and contribute to the national goal of reducing NCD-related deaths in Tanzania.

A total of 34 medical and clinical officers from 24 public health facilities across Kilombero, Ulanga, and Malinyi districts participated in the training. These healthcare workers are key players in delivering services to rural communities where access to NCDs care remains a limited.

Expert-led sessions

The course was led by Dr. Samuel Salvatory, Clinician and Principal Investigator of the CARECHAIN-NCD Project at Ifakara Health Institute, supported by facilitators PD Dr. med. Martin Rohacek, Dr. Andrew Katende, Martin Mtula, and Evance Mahundi.

Dr. Samuel Salvatory, emphasized the importance of the training, saying, “Our goal is to ensure that health care workers are not only aware of NCDs but are also skilled to detect, manage, and follow up patients effectively. This is a vital step toward reducing preventable deaths and improving the quality of life for people living with chronic conditions.”

Throughout the training sessions, facilitators emphasized integrated, patient-centered care approached and shared the latest evidence-based practices for early detection, treatment, and long-term management of NCDs.

Gov officials commends Ifakara for building frontline capacity

The event was graced by Mrs. Mary Shadrack, Non-Communicable Diseases Focal Person from the President’s Office – Regional Administration and Local Government (PO-RALG), who served as the chief guest, alongside Dr. Deborah Kabudi, the Regional NCD Coordinator for Morogoro.

Both officials commended IHI and its partners for their continued efforts to build capacity at the primary healthcare level, emphasizing that such initiatives are crucial for strengthening NCD management.

“It is vital for you to actively engage in this three-day training,” they told participants. “The lessons you gain here will enable you to deliver better care closer to where people live. We also hope you will become ambassadors of this knowledge when you return to your facilities, teach your colleagues so that more patients can benefit.”

About the CARECHAIN-NCD Project

CARECHAIN-NCD project is a five-year project implemented by Ifakara in collaboration with partners from Europe and Tanzania. The project seeks to address the growing burden of NCDs by increasing community awareness of NCDs for better prevention. Its objectives include reducing rates of complications of NCDs, reducing the socio-economic burden of NCDs and reducing NCD burden due to better prevention.

Learn more about the project, here: https://www.ihi.or.tz/our-projects/project/94/details/