Strengthening Capacity Through Strategic Partnerships
THPS collaborates closely with a diverse network of sub-grantees,
including local and international government and non-governmental organizations
(NGOs) as well as international universities. A core focus of this partnership
is capacity building, ensuring that sub-grantee project managers gain the
skills and expertise needed to effectively implement projects while adhering to
THPS, USG, and other donor regulations. Through structured mentorship and
technical support, THPS enables sub-grantees to gradually transition into prime
recipients of direct donor funding, strengthening the sustainability of health
programs in Tanzania.
For international universities and
organizations, THPS partnerships—often structured as consortiums—facilitate
knowledge exchange in critical areas such as research, epidemiology, and health
system strengthening. This approach enhances technical capacity at both
institutional and community levels, leading to improved service delivery in
health facilities and local communities.
Currently, THPS supports 60 sub-grantees
across mainland Tanzania, including:
- 34 Council Health Management Teams (CHMTs) and 4 Regional
Health Management Teams (RHMTs), strengthening local health system
leadership.
- Four Regional Referral Hospitals and one District Hospital,
enhancing clinical service capacity.
- Two government boards on statistics, improving health data
management.
- 10 NGOs/CSOs and 6 Faith-Based Organizations (FBOs), expanding
service reach through community-driven initiatives.
These sub-grantees play a crucial role in
key THPS-supported projects, such as the PEPFAR/CDC Afya Hatua project and the
USAID Uhuru wa Afya (Health Freedom) Project, both of which prioritize building
local capacity for sustainable healthcare delivery.
Comprehensive Capacity-Building Approach
THPS invests heavily in capacity
development, using a combination of:
- Annual formal training to equip sub-grantees with the latest
programmatic, financial, and compliance skills.
- On-the-job training and continuous mentorship, ensuring
knowledge transfer and practical skill-building.
- Technical supervision and real-time monitoring, strengthening
financial management and program implementation.
This structured support fosters a culture
of accountability and excellence, ensuring that sub-grantees meet donor
requirements while enhancing service quality at the facility and community
levels.
Building Human Capital for a Resilient
Health System
THPS directly supports 2,928 project staff
deployed across health facilities, providing salaries and technical oversight
for key personnel, including:
- Data specialists (410 data
officers, 34 district data officers, 4 regional health information system
officers).
- Healthcare providers (5 medical doctors, 100 clinicians, 184
nurses, 41 pharmacy technicians, 176 HIV tester counsellors, and 80
community HIV testers).
- Community health workers (667 facility-based peer educators,
520 community peer educators, 175 peer mothers, 33 community outreach
workers, and 5 community outreach coordinators).
- Technical experts (laboratory technologists, radiographers,
social welfare officers, clinical trackers, and lay counsellors).
Beyond direct employment support, THPS
advocates for the professional advancement of project staff by collaborating
with District Executive Directors (DEDs) and the Prime Minister’s Office –
Public Service and Good Governance to integrate qualified personnel into
government employment opportunities. This ensures that skilled healthcare
workers remain within the public health system, further strengthening local
service capacity.
Additionally, THPS finances quality
monitoring visits, technical assistance, and operational costs, including
overtime allowances for government health workers engaged in project
activities.
Sustaining Impact Through Capacity
Development
By investing in training, mentorship, and
system strengthening, THPS ensures that local organizations and government
institutions can sustain and expand high-quality healthcare services long after
direct project funding ends. This capacity-building approach empowers
sub-grantees, fosters local ownership, and contributes to a more resilient and
self-sufficient health sector in Tanzania.