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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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