3 June 2013
In support of the Government of Tanzania’s effort to provide appropriate health services to older people, HelpAge International in collaboration with Pfizer Inc is launching a two-year programme that will contribute to the reduction of the burden of ill health due to Non Communicable Diseases among older people in Tanzania.
Predictions by the World Health Organization (WHO) indicate that non-communicable diseases will account for seven out of ten deaths by 2020 and current projections indicate that by that time, the largest increases in NCD deaths will occur in Africa. Studies in Tanzania also show that NCDs are a growing problem for older people, accounting for nearly 60% of deaths of those 61 and older in some districts. The Tanzania National Strategy for NCDs of 2009 – 2015 identifies cardiovascular diseases, cervical and breast cancers, central diseases of the nervous systems, diabetes and chronic respiratory diseases among the NCDs causing the greatest impact.
The project that will be launched on June 4, 2013 will pilot a range of community based activities aimed at promoting prevention and management of NCDs by practicing healthy life styles, while working with health providers at local and national levels to improve prevention, early diagnosis, follow-up and treatment of NCDs as well as improving on data collection and analysis to inform appropriate policies. While the community based activities will be carried out in Morogoro, Kibaha and Songea districts in collaboration with organizations of older people, the curriculum reform and support to improve health information management will be undertaken together with the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare at various levels.
Both HelpAge and Pfizer are committed to the success of this programme and are calling for a wider collaboration and support by all concerned as prevention through active and healthy life style can turn some of the debilitating diseases into manageable conditions.
Since its establishment in 1983, HelpAge has been helping older people claim their rights, challenge discrimination and overcome poverty, so that they can lead dignified, secure, active and healthy lives. We do this by advocating for inclusive policy and strategies and undertaking practical projects that provide models of intervention. In Tanzania we work with older people’s organizations, central and local government authorities to ensure older people have equal access to resources and services as provided in the various policies and legislative frameworks of the country.
Working together for a healthier world®
At Pfizer, we apply science and our global resources to bring therapies to people that extend and significantly improve their lives. We strive to set the standard for quality, safety and value in the discovery, development and manufacture of health care products. Our global portfolio includes medicines and vaccines as well as many of the world’s best-known consumer health care products. Every day, Pfizer colleagues work across developed and emerging markets to advance wellness, prevention, treatments and cures that challenge the most feared diseases of our time. Consistent with our responsibility as one of the world’s premier innovative biopharmaceutical companies, we collaborate with health care providers, governments and local communities to support and expand access to reliable, affordable health care around the world. For more than 150 years, Pfizer has worked to make a difference for all who rely on us. To learn more, please visit us at www.pfizer.com.
June 3rd, 2013
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For more information please contact:
Amleset Tewodros
Country Director, Tanzania
HelpAge International
Email: “>mackay.jimeson@pfizer.com
Maggie Olele
Director, Communication & Public Affairs
Pfizer Global Pharmaceuticals Nigeria & East Africa Region (NEAR)
Email: