GENTAN
was established under the vision to improve the overall quality of
health care in Tanzania and in turn improve the lives of many. This
will entail an overall contribution to promoting development,
strengthening health systems, harnessing research, encouraging
partnerships and improving the performance of the health sector. We
are dedicated to using 'health as a resource for development'
and as a poverty-reduction strategy..
There are many health sector reforms
geared towards improving efficiency and effectiveness of
health care. We plan to use genetics as a foundation for setting
priorities, defining strategies, and measuring results. According to
the WHO 'areas being addressed include the provision of adequate
numbers of appropriately trained staff, sufficient financing,
suitable systems for collecting vital statistics, and access to
appropriate technology including essential drugs'.
These areas underpin our mission and vision, playing a role in
influencing our work. The
objectives we
have set out for ourselves serve to meet all these areas for the
population. Our growth strategy is designed to meet all the
objectives simultaneously, however, as with any organization in it's
infancy, a focus on one area at a time proves much more productive
in the long run.
1.
Information & Knowledge
  An
elementary approach towards success requires the gathering and
efficient storage of relevant material (including qualitative
research). At Gentan, we work towards
identifying, collecting and storing information (knowledge),
resources and lastly, but not least, dynamic frameworks to aid in
not only our development but in the accurate dissemination and
production of quality work.
This involves identifying useful resources, databases,
institutions, companies and individuals who can aid in the construction
of an innovative database that more than adequately meets the needs
of a developing countries health system. After the storage, we
endeavour to use the information to help inform health professionals
and the public. With the acquired knowledge, we are better
positioned to collaborate effectively, provide quality consultancy
services and ensure our voices are heard in policy issues. This
approach will tackle the problem of lack of access to information
and provide an
environment for anyone to contribute input and insight.
2. Genomics into public health
programs, research and policy 
As the knowledge base (database) continues to grow so will the
influence of GENTAN on the integration of genomics into mainstream
medical practice in lower income states. As a resources centre with
networks worldwide, the growing influence will stem from promoting
research and facilitation information sharing. This
interactive environment, as we can already witness, will allow the
acceptance and utilization of information by health care providers
and consequently the public.
Integration cannot be achieved without a multi-sectoral approach,
and meaningful collaborations with the right bodies. On the basis of
timely communication, Gentan aims to form positive
affiliations, alliances and partnerships forming a dynamic network
that can facilitate the integration process. This will allow the
lively exchange of ideas, expertise, research and materials;
developing the genomic field in Tanzania and improving the quality
of health care. An undertaking of consultancies locally, nationally
and internationally will only serve to increase the expertise within
the organization and build its reputation. This approach will
tackle the lack of effective/efficient/timely communication between
disciplines and between the more advanced researchers and the
players in health development practice.
3.
Education & Informing Policy
  Better
understanding of actors, process and context will undoubtedly
position Gentan to be able to influence the content of public health
policy and national health policy. Adopting a multidisciplinary
approach (physical/social sciences) Gentan will promote and
influence the development of systems and policies focused on
applying genomics to everyday health care. By aligning ourselves
with the right player, coupled with evidence-based information, we
believe we will have a strong enough voice to influence national
health (strategy) decision making through meetings, lobbying and
working together with the government.
However, the one common denominator in all our work is education.
Educating the health care workers, their managers, students,
ministries and the government. By passing on knowledge we increase
their understanding of the importance of genomics in public health.
It is important to support the responsible and effective application
of genetics for the betterment of health. Gentan will always work to
ensure that advances in genomics, biomedical science and associated
technology are implemented in a responsible way, with due
consideration of their ethical, legal and social implications.
This three-pronged
approach will serve to facilitate the careful but necessary
integration of genomics into the public health in Tanzania
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