Developing a Sustainable Cardiovascular Disease Research Strategy in Tanzania Through Training: Leveraging From the East African Centre of Excellence in Cardiovascular Sciences Project

Abstract

IntroductionCardiovascular disease (CVD) contribute the largest mortality burden globally, with most of the deaths (80% of all deaths) occurring in low and middle-income countries (LMICs), including Tanzania. Despite the increasing burden, to date, CVD research output is still limited in Tanzania, as it is for many sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) countries. This trend hinders the establishment of locally informed CVD management and policy changes. Here, we aim to review the existing gaps while highlighting the available opportunities for a sustainable CVD research strategy in Tanzania.MethodsA rapid review of available literature on CVD research in SSA was conducted, with emphasis on the contribution of Tanzania in the world literature of CVD. Through available literature, we identify strategic CVD research priorities in Tanzania and highlight challenges and opportunities for sustainable CVD research output.FindingsShortage of skilled researchers, inadequate research infrastructure, limited funding, and lack of organized research strategies at different levels (regional, country, and institutional) are among the existing key bottlenecks contributing to the low output of CVD research in Tanzania. There is generally strong global, regional and local political will to address the CVD epidemic. The establishment of the East African Centre of Excellence in Cardiovascular Sciences (EACoECVS) offers a unique opportunity for setting strategies and coordinating CVD research and training for Tanzania and the East African region.ConclusionThere is a light of hope for long-term sustainable CVD research output from Tanzania, taking advantage of the ongoing activities and plans for the evolving EACoECVS. The Tanzanian experience can be taken as a lesson for other SSA countries.

Adapting and usability testing of the Kansas city cardiomyopathy questionnaire (KCCQ) in a heart failure clinic in Tanzania: the Swahili KCCQ

“…The ability to use a shorter tool could streamline the data collection and reduce the burden on patients and providers, potentially increasing its uptake into clinical care. This work is important to achieve the goals of increasing patient-centred care in our LMIC clinic setting with the potential to roll-out the implementation to other CHF clinics in Tanzania and East Africa [ 34 ].…”

Six month incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events among adults with HIV in northern Tanzania: a prospective observational study

“…Open access longer, 5 the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors such as hypertension and diabetes among this population is increasing. 7 8 A recent systematic review of CVD among PLWH in SSA found that many studies have described the prevalence of CVD risk factors like hypertension, 9 which occurs in one of every four adults in Tanzania, 10 but few studies have reported the incidence of cardiovascular events such as MI and other major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE).…”

Sub-clinical rheumatic heart disease (RHD) detected by hand-held echocardiogram in children participating in a school-based RHD prevention program in Tanzania

“…As part of the research agenda for the establishment of the East African Centre of Excellence for Cardiovascular Sciences (EACoECVS) within the Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences [ 30 ], RHD was identified as a priority disease due to its persistent high morbidity and mortality in Tanzania [ 23 , 31 , 32 ]. Beginning in 2018 the EACoECVS has been implementing a community based RHD prevention program which has several components including: obtaining community prevalence and risk factors of RHD, developing RHD health education and awareness materials for Tanzanian primary health care workers, pupils and teachers as well as delivering health education on prevention of RHD in these population groups.…”