Medication assisted therapy (MAT) and substance use disorders in Tanzania
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Date
2011
Authors
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Journal ISSN
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Publisher
International Journal of Human Rights in Healthcare
Abstract
Purpose – Substance use is among the risk factors associated with both HIV/AIDS and non
communicable diseases (NCDs). The aim of this paper is to describe the development of the medication
assisted therapy (MAT) in the treatment of substance use disorders and opportunities for further
interventions in Tanzania.
Design/methodology/approach – A review of MAT pilot project documentation, existing published and
grey literature on substance misuse in Tanzania was used to describe the scope of this paper. MATas a
program focuses on the treatment of opiod dependent individuals using methadone in a national
hospital in Tanzania. It is delivered by a team of trained interprofessionals coordinating with community
partners.
Findings – The findings indicate an uptake of pharmacotherapy in the treatment of substance use
disorders as an adjunct to traditional counseling approaches in low resource settings. Program
acceptability and reach within a short period of time by the opiod dependent individuals is shown.
Practical implications – National buy-in is critical for developments of new interventions. Given
adequate resources, it is feasible to integrate MAT for the treatment of substance use disorders within
health care systems in poor resource settings. To ensure the success of the program, sustainable efforts
and scaling up to include alcohol and tobacco dependence treatment is crucial. The local capacity
building is required including a need for designing appropriate policies to address alcohol and tobacco
use in Tanzania.
Originality/value – The intervention is the only one in sub-Saharan Africa. MAT may serve as a practice
model for other countries in the region.
Keywords Substance use, Addiction treatment, HIV, Methadone, Africa, Non-communicable diseases,
Tanzania, Nicotine, Alcohol, Heroin, Drug addiction, Tanzania
Paper type General review
Description
Keywords
Substance use, Addiction treatment, Tanzania
Citation
Kaduri, P., Mbwambo, J., Frank, M. and Kilonzo, G., 2011. Medication assisted therapy (MAT) and substance use disorders in Tanzania. International Journal of Human Rights in Healthcare, 4(3), p.138.