A Strong, Reliable Continuum of Care for Rural NCD Patients in Tanzania

Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) are becoming one of the most pressing health challenges for low- and middle-income countries. Globally, NCDs now cause up to 75% of premature deaths, and in Tanzania they account for a rapidly rising share of illness and mortality, straining communities and the health system. Conditions like hypertension, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease often develop quietly, yet their long-term effects can be devastating when diagnosis and treatment come too late. Rural communities face especially steep barriers: limited access to screening, long distances to clinics, inconsistent medication supply, and referral systems that are hard to navigate.  

In partnership with Sanofi, Lilly, and the Gates Foundation, the GAINS program by Touch Health is working to close these gaps by building a stronger, more connected continuum of care for rural NCD patients. At the community level, trained Community Health Workers (CHWs) increase awareness and identify people at-risk earlier. They play a vital role in connecting rural patients to the care system. Within health facilities, GAINS builds the capabilities of the health system to maintain reliable access to essential medicines and keep patients engaged in long-term care. GAINS also strengthens the systems behind the scenes, improving referral pathways and using better data to link patients to providers.

By reinforcing people, facilities, and systems at the same time, GAINS is building a continuum of care. We help rural communities to shift from reactive treatment to proactive, steady NCD management. It’s a practical model that shows meaningful progress is possible, even in resource-constrained settings.

GAINS is being implemented across 3 regions in Tanzania over 24 months. This program is an essential part of the Tanzanian government’s iCCHW program – an ambitious effort launched in 2024 that aims to formalize, standardize, and scale the deployment of a national cadre of 140,000 Community Health Workers (CHWs).