Research article

Implementation of a national anti-tuberculosis drug resistance survey in Tanzania

Timothy M Chonde¹ , Basra Doulla¹ , Frank van Leth^2,3 , Sayoki GM Mfinanga⁴ , Nyagosya Range⁴ , Fred Lwilla¹ , Saidi M Mfaume⁴ , Armand van Deun⁵ , Matteo Zignol⁶ , Frank G Cobelens^2,3 and Saidi M Egwaga¹

¹  National Tuberculosis and Leprosy Control Program, Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

²  KNCV Tuberculosis Foundation, The Hague, the Netherlands

³  Center for Infection and Immunity Amsterdam (CINIMA), Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, the Netherlands

⁴  National Institute for Medical Research, Muhimbili Medical Research Centre, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

⁵  Mycobacteriology unit, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium

⁶  Stop TB Department, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland

author email corresponding author email

BMC Public Health 2008, 8:427doi:10.1186/1471-2458-8-427

Published:	30 December 2008

Abstract

Background

A drug resistance survey is an essential public health management tool for evaluating and improving the performance of National Tuberculosis control programmes. The current manuscript describes the implementation of the first national drug resistance survey in Tanzania.

Methods

Description of the implementation process of a national anti-tuberculosis drug resistance survey in Tanzania, in relation to the study protocol and Standard Operating Procedures.

Results

Factors contributing positively to the implementation of the survey were a continuous commitment of the key stakeholders, the existence of a well organized National Tuberculosis Programme, and a detailed design of cluster-specific arrangements for rapid sputum transportation. Factors contributing negatively to the implementation were a long delay between training and actual survey activities, limited monitoring of activities, and an unclear design of the data capture forms leading to difficulties in form-filling.

Conclusion

Careful preparation of the survey, timing of planned activities, a strong emphasis on data capture tools and data management, and timely supervision are essential for a proper implementation of a national drug resistance survey.