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MUHASMUHASMUHASMUHASMUHASMUHASMUHASNEWS LETTER

MUHIMBIL I UNIVERS ITY OF HEALTH AND ALL IED SC IENCESISSN 0856-9991 July – September, 2009 Issue No.9

Owing to the collaboration between Tanzania

and Australia in the health sector, the Deputy

Premier and Minister for Health in Western Australia,

Dr. Kim Hames was in the country recently and

MUHAS was among the places he visited.

While visiting MUHAS, Dr. Hames and his

delegation which included specialists from King

Edward Memorial Hospital, which specializes in

Maternal and Child Health, were accompanied by

the Tanzania Minister for Health and Social Welfare,

Prof. David Mwakyusa.

Among other things, the main purpose of their visit

to Tanzania was to meet their counterpart specialists

in the country and identify areas that they will be

able to assist in the field of Maternal and Child

Health

Speaking during welcoming these visitors to the

University, the Vice Chancellor Prof. Kisali Pallangyo

said that the University feels honored that the

WESTERN AUSTRALIAN DEPUTY PREMIER AND MINISTER FOR HEALTH VISITS MUHAS

Ministry of Health and Social Welfare saw it befitting

to bring such power delegation to MUHAS.

Prof. Pallangyo then gave a brief history of

the University and highlighted on the areas of

capacity building and other collaborations with

other institutions. Then Prof. Siriel Massawe, an

Obstetrician and Gynecologists from MUHAS gave

a presentation on MUHAS role in prevention of

Maternal and Neonatal Mortality.

Taking on the issue of capacity building Prof.

Mwakyusa said MUHAS being a training institution

is like a factory of health professionals in the country

and the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare are

the main consumers. He added that though recently

the country has few private Universities of health

sciences but they mainly depend on MUHAS to get

their teachers.

“For that reason”, the Minister of Health and Social

Welfare said “whoever cares to listen, we ask them

Hon. Dr. Kim Hames (centre) giving a present to Prof. K. Pallangyo while Hon. David Mwakyusa (left) is watching.Hon. Dr. Kim Hames (centre) giving a present to Prof. K. Pallangyo while Hon. David Mwakyusa (left) is watching.

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MUHAS Vice Chancellor Prof. Kisali Pallangyo expressed his appreciation to the Bill

and Melinda Gates Foundation for supporting curriculum review process through MUHAS-UCSF collaboration and urged the participants to participate fully in the process.

Speaking at the official opening of the annual review of the MUHAS Strategic Plan, the Vice Chancellor stated that this workshop is a very important planning activity for the University. It’s a review of one year of implementation of the 2008/2009 – 2012/2013 five year rolling strategic plan which started on 1st of July, 2008 to 30th June, 2009.

Prior to stating the objectives of this workshop, the Deputy Vice Chancellor Planning, Finance and Administration Prof. Bakari Lembariti said monitoring and evaluation system is required to measure and evaluate the level of implementation, performance, achievement and impact of the strategic plan.

He further commented that normally the plan is to conduct bi-annual review meeting but due to financial constraints under which the University has been operating made it impossible to hold the first six months meeting.

MUHAS CONDUCTS ANNUAL REVIEW OF THE FIVE YEAR ROLLING STRATEGIC PLAN

Some of the objectives of the workshop were to review the one year implementation reports of the five year rolling strategic plan for the University, Schools, Directorates and Institutes and to assess progress in activity performance/achievements and the impact of the plan.

Others were to identify the reasons for deviation from the planned activities and to discuss and propose strategic solutions to address the factors which led to deviation from the planned activities given the current structure, needs and opportunities.

Furthermore, the workshop aimed to roll over the MUHAS Strategic Plan for the period of 1st July 2009 to 30th June 2010 and to review and develop guidelines for the implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the five year rolling strategic plan at all University levels.

In winding up the two days workshop the MUHAS Director of Planning and Development for Muhimbili Campus, Dr. D. Gasarasi urged the Deans, Directors and Head of Departments to think of innovative ways of motivating members in the units to implement the unit specific strategic plans.

From far right HE Ms Lisa Filipetto, Mr Ian Wight-Pickin, Dr. Panos Maouris and Ms Janice Butt following up a presentation by Prof. S. Massawe (not in picture)

to help us in training and capacity building”.

Dr. Hames said that they are willing to assist

whenever they can especially in the area of

Maternal and Child Health and they could start

by having professional nurses come to Tanzania

and do training of trainers.

Other members from the delegation were

HE Ms Lisa Filipetto, High Commissioner of

Australia to Tanzania, Mr. Ian Wight-Pickin, Chief

of Staff to Deputy Premier, Dr. Panos Maouris,

Specialist Obstetrician/Gynaecologist, Ms

Janice Butt, Associate Director Midwifery, Ms

Catherine Stoddart, Chief Nurse and Midwifery

Officer and Mr. Andrew Edge, First Secretary,

Australian High Commission, South Africa.

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In an effort to address the severe shortage of human capital for health, President Jakaya Kikwete stated

that the Government will soon start the construction of a giant University of Health and Allied Sciences at Mloganzila.

Launching the Health Sector Strategic Plan number three of the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare recently, the President said currently Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences produces less than 250 doctors annually, which is very low compared to the increasing population and the needs of the country. He stressed that the plan is to produce at least 1,000 doctors annually.

Speaking with the MUHAS Director of Planning and Development for Mloganzila Campus Dr. A. Kamuhabwa on the development of this project he said, the aim is to develop the site into a University Campus with 7,000 students. Several other complimentary facilities such as Regional Center for Neurological Diseases, A Life Sciences Convergence Center and Regional Public Health Laboratory are planned to be established on this campus.

Dr. Kamuhabwa said that in November 2008 the University management submitted a proposal to the government requesting for assistance in soliciting funding to establish the University Medical Center at Mloganzila. The Government accepted the proposal and submitted it to the Government of South Korea to request a loan to construct and equip the proposed center at Mloganzila.

Following this request, the Director said in April 2009 the South Korean Economic Development Cooperation Fund (EDCF) agreed to conduct a feasibility study for the construction and equipping the University Medical Center. A team of consultants from South Korea (MAC Architects-Consultants in collaboration with Korea Health Industry Development Institute) were selected to carry out a feasibility study.

“In July this year a team of 7 consultants visited MUHAS to collect information for the feasibility study. A number of other institutions and Mloganzila site were also

PLANS FOR CONSTRUCTION AND EQUIPING THE UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER SET TO TAKE OFF

visited” Dr. Kamuhabwa said. “During this period, it was proposed that a hospital project steering committee be formed to advice on the planning for the construction and equipping the hospital. The University management has therefore constituted a steering committee to advise the management on space planning and equipment for the proposed hospital” he added.

However, the Director said in principle, EDCF has agreed to provide a loan of up to $70,000,000 for construction and equipping the proposed hospital pending completion of the feasibility study.

Moreover, Dr. Kamuhabwa said the EDCF requires that the people who are currently residing at the Moganzila site be compensated and the basic infrastructures like access road, power and water supply system be put in place before they release the loan.

He further commented that the estimated cost for the basic infrastructure development and the property evaluation of the people living in that land for the purpose of compensation and evacuation have already been complete and submitted to the appropriate authority for funding.

Dr. Kamuhabwa giving explanation to the South Korean team during the feasibility study for the construction of the University Medical center at Mloganzila

Meeting of the Feasibility Study Team and the University Medical Center Steering Committee at MUHAS

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MUHAS Deputy Vice Chancellor – ARC Prof. D. Ngassapa recently inaugurated the

National Inter-sectoral Partnership Taskforce (NIPT) for MUHAS –UCSF Learning Project.

NIPT is the overall body to guide the Project, identify and assess strategies to maximize the contribution of MUHAS in addressing the health workforce crisis thereby improving health outcomes in Tanzania.

Speaking at the inauguration, Prof. Ngassapa said in this country the ratio of health professionals compared to the population is very low and MUHAS has a big role to play as the major supplier of these professionals. He

MUHAS – UCSF NATIONAL INTER-SECTORAL PARTNERSHIP TASKFORCE INAUGURATED

further added that by working together with UCSF, MUHAS is committed to bring together all key stakeholders to assess strategies for supportive academic environment for education and research, and hence transform health outcomes in Tanzania.

The collaboration between MUHAS and UCSF which formed the Academic Learning Project obtained a grant from Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to enable them to learn sustainable and appropriate methods to address the health workforce crisis in Tanzania.

“This partnership is intended to be a model to be replicated by other institutions in and outside the county when addressing problems related to health workforce and training”, Prof. Ngassapa added.

In this occasion, the MUHAS-UCSF Academic Learning Project Principal Investigator Prof. E. Kaaya had an opportunity to describe the project by laying out the objectives and the expected outcomes. He also stated the role of the newly formed NIPT.

Prof. Kaaya said among other things the NIPT will establish communication and Memoranda of Understanding (MOU) between MUHAS and key stakeholders to address health workforce situation and improving health outcomes in the country, and also will assist MUHAS to find innovative solutions of training, recruiting and retaining health professionals to serve the health needs of Tanzania.

Apart from MUHAS – UCSF participants, the membership of this taskforce included the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the National Institute of Medical Research, the Tanzania Commission for Universities, the Commission for Science and Technology, the Prime Minister’s Office – Regional Administration and Local Government and the Ministry of Education and Vocational Training.

Furthermore in this event the COSTECH Director General, Dr. Hassan Mshinda was elected to be the Chairperson of this body, and it was agreed to include the Ifakara Health Research Institute in the membership list.

Some of the members of the NIPT listening to a presentation at the inauguration ceremony

Prof. E. Kaaya (standing) speaking at the inauguration ceremony. On his left is the DVC-ARC Prof. D. Ngassapa

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It is difficult to realize the value of something until it is lost. In our everyday busy routines, we take simple activities

for granted. We do not have to think twice before walking, talking, holding or seeing. It was a visit to the Sinza Maalum special school that made us; the DDS 4 students realize the value of life.

We like whimpering, complaining and blaming every small thing that goes wrong in our lives, but it was these special kids who amazed us by their cheerful and contented lives despite of what they lack.

Tired of routine classroom lectures, we decided to have some fun and do charity as we waited for the final touch ups of the new clinics. What better could we have done than providing dental service to those who needed it? And since treating handicapped children had been a challenging topic in class, our teachers took us to acquaint ourselves to such children and help them with our service.

The school is a small area in Sinza with classrooms surrounded by a large garden and play area. It accommodates about 65 handicapped students with 15 considerate teachers who provide them with basic education. We got a warm welcome from the teachers and students as we set out to work under the supervision of our teachers, Dr. F.Kahabuka and Dr. F.Machibya.

The students were educated about the importance of oral hygiene, and plaque visualization was done using plaque disclosing agent to show plaque retentive areas and explain to the students what areas were not being brushed well. The students were then provided with toothbrushes

SemeSter 8 DDS StuDentS ProviDe oral HealtH ServiceS to cHilDren at Sinza maalum– By Sakina Dhirani and Joseph Tungaraza DDS IV students

and toothpastes and the correct technique of brushing was taught according to the individual ability of the student.

We were surprised as to how eager they were to learn and carry out instructions. Despite their limited dexterity and a variety of individual problems, they were motivated to try their best.

The students were seen to have many dental conditions with poor oral hygiene in almost all, followed by dental caries and gingivitis. All these conditions are preventable, and unlike normal patients who get dental problems due to negligence and laziness, these children suffered dental conditions due to their limited ability.

We hope that the techniques we provided them would make it easier for them to practice oral hygiene and improve their oral health status. We had gone to teach and educate them but in return they taught us the value of life. They taught us to appreciate what we had.

The teachers were not spared. They had to undergo the same procedures as the students so that they knew their oral hygiene status and proper brushing techniques. They were checked for plaque retention and taught proper brushing techniques as well. This exercise would not only help them with their own oral hygiene but also help them supervise and monitor the children.

This was a small and humble attempt by us to make a small difference. We all have that ability; we just need the motivation and concern for others. For we never know what we could get in return for whatever little we do for others.

DDS 4 students provide dental services to handicapped children at Sinza MaalumDDS 4 students provide dental services to handicapped children at Sinza Maalum

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A team from Harvard University which was led

by Dr David Bansberg had opportunity to visit

MUHAS. The aim of their visit was to introduce the

Global Health Scholars Programme which deals

with training and mentoring junior academicians

on Global Health Research.

The visit was for two days i.e. Monday 15th and

Tuesday 16th of June, 2009 and it took place in

different location in and outside MUHAS and with

different people. The team met with the MUHAS-

Harvard collaborators team which included Prof.

J. Killewo who facilitated the meeting, Dr. Sylvia

Kaaya, Prof. Zul Premji, Prof. Wafaie Fawzi, and Prof.

Ferdinand Mugusi

Dr. Bansgberg briefed this group about the subject

matter of the Global Health Scholars Partnership.

Later they discussed about the modalities of

application, candidate selection process, criteria

which are going to be used to award the right

candidates and how MUHAS is going to support

this program.

Dr. Bansgberg also had a the opportunity to meet with

the Deputy Vice Chancellor Academic, Research and

Consultants (DVC-ARC) and Deputy Vice Chancellor

Planning, Finance and Administration (DVC-PFA).

During these meeting Dr. Bangsberg briefed them

on the purpose of his visit. He said the Global Health

Program aims to train people at the junior level

in medical sciences professions, to develop and

train basic researchers to the level of independent

researchers. Both DVC’s were very impressed with

the proposed program and promised to offer their

support anytime.

The visitors had fruitful meeting with MUHAS Deans

and Directors. In this meeting Prof. Killewo said

that it was important to discuss with the Deans and

Directors about the program because the targeted

group of this training mainly comes from their

MUHAS AND HARVARD UNIVERSITY TO ESTABLISH GLOBAL HEALTH SCHOLARS PROGRAMME

schools and institutes. Thus, they need to agree on

the procedures and criteria of application and how

award will be administered.

During this meeting Prof. Fawzi gave a brief

introduction on the background to the MUHAS

–Harvard collaboration, then Prof. Killewo talked

about the activities of Informatics project and

followed by Prof. Mugusi who presented on the

activities done by ICOHRTA. These presentations

aimed at giving the whole picture of the experience,

achievements, and opportunities of MUHAS-

Harvard training programme.

Lastly Dr Bangsberg made a presentation on the

Global Health Leadership Development Program.

He presented the concept of the program and

said the purpose is to help support institution to

nurture the next generation of health sciences

research leaders. Dr Bangsberg said Tanzania has

more than 60% deficit of human resources in the

core healthcare and the Global Health Scholar

programme aims to develop new clinical scientists

and public health practitioners to guide the others

in resolving this situation.

He gave out the experience of Mbarara University

in Uganda whereby the Global Health Scholar

Programme is currently operating and he that, at

the moment there are two candidates from this

University who are undergoing this program. He

discussed about the selection process whereby he

said the Deans and Directors were free to choose

the modalities of selecting candidates that would

work best in MUHAS environment.

During this visit the team also visited the Care and

Treatment Centre (CTC) at Amana District Hospital

where they met Dr Ayoub Kibao the Site Manager

who gave them a tour of the centre. Other members

of this team from Harvard University were Mr. Sean

Baird and Mr. Jason Harlow.

TUKO PAMOJA

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The

Muhimbili University of Health

and Allied Sciences offers elective period of study to foreign

students in their clinical years. Electives are offered in different departments in all Schools and Institute of Traditional Medicine. Elective students can do clerkship at the Muhimbili

On this year’s International Nursing Day which took place recently at the Mnazi Mmoja Grounds, MUHAS students from the School of Nursing participated fully and made a remarkable representation of the University.

On the picture Samuel Ligmas, a Bachelor of Nursing student is showing a Midwifery book to the Prime

MUHAS STUDENTS PARTICIPATE ON THE INTERNATIONAL NURSING DAY

TUKO PAMOJA

National Hospital, Community Health rotation or a Research project depending on their choice. The money that they pay for supervision usually goes to the department in which these students are attached.

When the School of Nursing received elective students’ fees, they decided to show appreciation to their nursing service colleagues at the Muhimbili National Hospital for their collaboration in training students.

The School decided to give a kettle to each unit that is especially important for the School of Nursing Students that is Peadiatric, Maternal & Child Health, Surgical, Medical Wards as well as the HIV Clinic. These high quality stainless steel safety kettles have an environmentally friendly design with low electrical consumption and an automatic cut off thermostat.

The kettles were handed during a small ceremony in which Mrs. Esther Mhalu on behalf of the Director of Nursing Muhimbili National Hospital thanked the MUHAS School of Nursing for their thoughtful contributions.

Speaking on this ceremony, Dr. Thecla Kohi, the then Dean of the School of Nursing expressed appreciation of the important role of MNH nurses in the clinical experiences of the students, for bridging the gap between teaching and practice. Dr. Kohi that explained the idea behind the gesture was to underscore the fact that we are together. Tuko Pamoja.

Minister of the United Republic of Tanzania, Hon. Mizengo Pinda and explaining the importance of nursing in meeting goal 4 and 5 of the Millennium Development Goals which is decreasing infant and maternal mortality.

They also discussed on shortage of nurses in Tanzania compared to the country’s population and the need to attract more students in the higher education to join the nursing field so as to provide quality health care services to the Tanzanians.

In this exhibition, the students also had the opportunity to emphasize the urgency of implementing a new scheme of service for nurses educated at the degree level and the importance of the government to provide grants for the nurse students.

MUHAS School of Nursing staff with their colleagues from MNH in a group photo at the ceremony conducted to hand over the kettles

Samuel Ligmas showing a Midwifery book to Hon. Mizengo PindaSamuel Ligmas showing a Midwifery book to Hon. Mizengo Pinda

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Recent PRomotionsThe Council of Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS) at its 9th meeting held on 7th of August, 2009 approved the promotions of four MUHAS academic staff to the posts of Professor and Associate Professor as follows;

ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR to PROFESSOR

1. Prof. E.E. Kaaya – Department of Pathology

2. Prof. M.I. Matee – Department of Microbiology and Immunology

SENIOR LECTURER/RESEARCH FELLOW to ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR

1. Dr. S.M.A Yongolo – Department of Surgery

2. Dr. M.J. Moshi – Department of Biological and Pre-Clinical Studies (ITM)

Also in the 11th meeting of MUHAS Appointment and Human Resource Management Committee (A&HRMC) which was held on 19th June, 2009 approved promotions of three academic staff from the post of LECTURER to SENIOR LECTURER as follows;

1. Dr. M.D. Mchembe – Department of Surgery

2. Dr. O.M.S. Minzi – Department of Pharmacognosy

3. Dr. M.A. Mwangu – Department of Development Studies

MUHAS Newsletter congratulates all for these well deserving promotions

APPointment oF DeAns AnD DiRectoRs FoR tHe 2009-2012 tRienniUm

The MUHAS University Council at its 9th Meeting held on the 7th August, 2009 approved the appointment of Deans and Directors for the 2009-2012 Triennium as follows;

1. Director, Institute of Allied Health Sciences – Mr. S. Senya

2. Director, Institute of Traditional Medicine – Dr. Z. Mbwambo

3. Director, Undergraduate Studies – Prof. A. Gesase

4. Director, Post Graduate Studies – Prof. Z. Premji

5. Director, Research and Publication – Prof. E. Lyamuya

6. Director, Continuing Education and Professional Development – Prof. E.E. Kaaya

7. Director, Planning and Development, Muhimbili Campus – Dr. D. Gasarasi

8. Director, Planning and Development, Mloganzila Campus – Dr. A. Kamuhabwa

9. Director, Library Services – Ms R. Chande-Malya

10. Director, Information Communication and Technology – Prof. M. Moshi

11. Dean, School of Medicine – Prof. K. Manji

12. Dean, School of Dentistry – Dr. E. Mumghamba

13. Dean, School of Pharmacy – Dr. M. Chambuso

14. Dean, School of Nursing – Dr. K. Malima

15. Dean, School of Public Health and Social Sciences – Dr. G. Kwesigabo

Many Congratulations to

the new Deans

and Directors!

JOKES

From Prof. David Ngassapa’s Collection

Editorial tEam:mughwira mwangu, FEbronia

KahabuKa, hEllEn mtui & limi Kahabi