In Their Own Words: TCI Interventions Diffuse to Meru DC in Tanzania for Quick Adaptation and Scaling

Mar 8, 2023

Contributed by Mary Joseph and Waziri Njau

In Their Own Words: TCI Interventions Diffuse to Meru DC in Tanzania for Quick Adaptation and Scaling

Mar 8, 2023

Contributed by Mary Joseph and Waziri Njau

Sikudhani Mkama Murondoro is Meru District’s Reproductive and Child Health Coordinator.

Located in the Arusha Region of Tanzania, Meru District Council (DC) is not supported by The Challenge Initiative (TCI), but has rapidly adapted TCI’s high-impact practices and other interventions. Meru is a TCI diffusion location that neighbors Arusha City and Arusha District. Sikudhani Mkama Murondoro, the Meru District Reproductive and Child Health Coordinator (DRCHCo) recently shared with TCI her experience and tips on how this diffusion location quickly adapted TCI family planning (FP) and adolescent and youth sexual and reproductive health (AYSRH) interventions.

What contributed to Meru District Council’s (DC) remarkable family planning performance?

 It all started when our District Health Management Team members participated in a high-level advocacy meeting organized by TCI for Arusha Region. We were oriented on, and we learnt how to better coordinate FP/AYSRH interventions to get better results. Through sisi-kwa-sisi coaching visits conducted by Arusha City and Arusha District Council and the Maternal and Perinatal Death Surveillance and Response (MPDSR) meetings, we learnt TCI approaches, including the pharmacy model.

What is the secret behind quick adaptation of TCI model by Meru DC?

 The Council Health Management Team members’ (CHMT’s) readiness. Most of the CHMT members under my leadership were ready to learn, especially from the councils already engaged and implementing TCI approaches. Learnings were gained from various meetings we attended. The CHMT members were able to visit and observe the implementation of some TCI interventions in Arusha City and Arusha DC, including the pharmacy model, integrated outreaches and in-reaches. Through the visits, they learnt that some of the interventions like in-reaches can be done even without much funds, thus, easy to adapt.

Do you think you can be a coach?

 Yes, but I need more technical assistance (TA) and coaching on some more interventions, such as organization of university clubs, for example.

If you were transferred, how will Meru sustain learnings gained from TCI?

 The CHMT works as a team, and whatever was planned is within the council’s comprehensive plan. So, the team will continue with the spirit although the remaining CHMT members need some coaching support.

What should TCI do to support other councils to diffuse quickly?

 Start engagement with the diffusion cities/councils early, from the start-up phase of TCI engagement with supported geographies and involve the diffusion sites in various platforms throughout the implementation cycle.

What is your message to other councils?

 Get oriented on TCI University so that you can learn about the TCI model and its proven interventions. Be ready to learn, especially through sisi-kwa-sisi. To councils that wish to diffuse, you must learn from both TCI-supported and diffusion councils to get hands-on experience.

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