Challenges in morbidity and mortality statistics of the elderly population in Tanzania: a call to action

• Published in: Quality in ageing 2017-09, Vol.18 (3), p.171
• Main Authors: Leshabari, Kelvin Melkizedeck, Biswas, Ashok Kumar, Gebuis, Edward, Leshabari, Sebalda Charles, Ohnishi, Mayumi
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Acquired immune deficiency syndrome; AIDS; Data collection; Death & dying; HIV; Human immunodeficiency virus; Life expectancy; Morbidity; Mortality; Older people; Population; Rapid appraisal; Resource allocation
• ISSN: 2044-1827; 2044-1835
• DOI: 10.1108/QAOA-09-2016-0035

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to highlight the challenges in the reported statistics of diseases and deaths in the rapidly expanding elderly cohort of Tanzania. Design/methodology/approach A rapid appraisal of available gaps from known facts and figures targeting the old age cohort of Tanzania. Findings There appears to be no available mechanism(s) to generate reliable statistics on diseases and death patterns in the elderly population of Tanzania. The few available ones are largely hospital-based statistics as well as findings from a select sample of unrepresentative population. Practical implications The findings of morbidity and mortality statistics among the elderly cohort of Tanzania are likely to be confounded by other factors. There is palpable evidence that the elderly cohort in Tanzania is a rapidly growing segment of the population pyramid and therefore needs significant and sustainable resource allocation and utilisation. Social implications Socio-cultural and economic barriers influencing diseases and deaths among old-aged people largely remain unaccounted in Tanzania. Originality/value Scanty evidence of work that specifically targets morbidity and mortality patterns of people aged > 65 years in Tanzania.