Success Story: Strengthening Dengue Sentinel Surveillance System in Dar es Salaam

Residents from the Tanzania Field Epidemiology and Laboratory Training Program (TFELTP) Advanced Cohort 18 are playing a critical role in strengthening dengue surveillance and response in Dar es Salaam. From 16th to 20th March 2026, the residents conducted a field activity across 13 sentinel health facilities, aligned with the distribution of 5,000 dengue rapid diagnostic test kits provided by the World Health Organization through Pandemic Fund support. The activity combined surveillance assessment with real-time system strengthening, ensuring that both data and action informed the response.

During the exercise, a total of 222 healthcare workers were capacitated on dengue case definitions, the use of case investigation forms, and line listing, with nurses and clinicians forming the majority of participants. This hands-on mentorship improved frontline capacity for early detection and reporting of dengue cases. At the same time, residents identified key system gaps, including limited diagnostic capacity, inconsistent case detection and reporting practices, weak coordination among surveillance teams, and challenges in data management and feedback systems.

Importantly, the residents did not stop at identifying challenges but implemented targeted interventions on site. These included distributing diagnostic kits to all facilities, providing on-the-job training on rapid diagnostic testing, standardizing case definitions, strengthening reporting pathways, and building capacity in data management and the use of surveillance tools. These efforts contributed to improved availability of diagnostics, enhanced data quality, and strengthened use of routine surveillance systems.

This field activity highlights the impact of applied epidemiology in action, where TFELTP residents are not only learning but actively contributing to strengthening Tanzania’s capacity to detect and respond to dengue outbreaks.