FRONTIERS Projects | Assessing the Introduction of Comprehensive Postabortion Care in Rural Tanzania

FRONTIERS PROJECT
Assessing the Introduction of Comprehensive Postabortion Care in Rural Tanzania

Research in Senegal has shown that while it is feasible to provide integrated postabortion care (PAC) in lower-level facilities such as health posts, deficiencies in the quality of care and logistical problems still impede full access to services. In this study FRONTIERS worked with EngenderHealth’s ACQUIRE project to examine the feasibility of providing PAC in decentralized settings (health centers and dispensaries) in rural Tanzania. The project documented the introduction of PAC services at one hospital, six health centers, and one dispensary. Findings showed that rural facilities have the infrastructure to provide PAC services, and providers were able to furnish PAC services for the majority of women in need of postabortion care.

The intervention enhanced the clinical skills of providers at participating facilities, and more women accepted family planning services following their treatment. PAC services continued following the intervention. Integration of PAC with other services, especially screening and management for sexually transmitted infections and HIV, remains weak. Community outreach also was weak. These weaknesses can be overcome through continued commitment from the Ministry of Health and ACQUIRE. It would be feasible to scale up the intervention if the Ministry of Health can commit sustained funding.

Location

Geita District, Tanzania

Duration

September 2005–October 2006

Population Council researcher

Ian Askew

Non-Council collaborator

Moshi Ntabaye (ACQUIRE Project, EngenderHealth)

Donor

US Agency for International Development

Publications/Resources
Council researchers' names appear in boldface type.

2007
Wanjiru, Monica, Ian Askew, Nzoya Mungiita, Saumya RamaRao, Rick Homan, Reheme Kahando, and John M. Pile. "Assessing the feasibility, acceptability and cost of introducing postabortion care in health centres and dispensaries in rural Tanzania," FRONTIERS Final Report. Washington, DC: Population Council. (PDF, 697 KB)