One of the Key Result Areas of the TFDA is timely and accurate Information and education services on food, drugs, herbal drugs, cosmetics and medical devices provided to stakeholders.

In order to achieve this, Public Education section of the TFDA is carrying out various activities aimed at increasing awareness on:

• Tanzania Food, Drugs and Cosmetics Act 2003
• Organization and functions of the TFDA
• Procedures for obtaining license and permit from TFDA
• Safety and quality of food, drugs, herbal drugs, cosmetics and medical devices
• Rational use of food, drugs, herbal drugs, cosmetics and medical devices
• Health hazard associated with the use of food, drugs, herbal drugs, cosmetics and medical devices e.g. adverse drug reactions, food-borne diseases etc

Methods of delivering public education

1. Stakeholders’ sensitization seminars

Sensitization seminars are conducted to inform and educate stakeholders on the Tanzania Food, Drugs and Cosmetics Act 2003 and the organization and functions of the TFDA. Participants of such seminar include manufacturers, importers, wholesalers and retailers of food, drugs, herbal drugs, cosmetics and medical devices. Others are City/Municipal/Town/District Executive Directors, law enforcers and representative from government and non-government organizations.

Sensitization seminars have been carried in Morogoro, Dar es salaam, Dodoma, Mbeya and Mwanza for stakeholders from Northern, Eastern, Central, Western, Southern Highlands and Lake zones. (click here to read proceedings)

2. Radio programs

Radio is one the key media in dissemination of information and education. We have aired the following programs though Radio Tanzania (RTD):

• Organization and functions of TFDA
• Procedures for obtaining permits and license from TFDA
• Rational use of antimalarials, SP
• Rational use of Antiretroviral drugs
• Monitoring of Adverse Drug Reactions

The following programs have been aired by Radio One:

• Organization and functions of TFDA
• Stakeholders of TFDA
• Procedures for obtaining permits and license from TFDA
• Drug Registration
• Cosmetics registration
• Food registration
• Control of infant food
• Laboratory services
• Rational Drug Use
• Monitoring adverse drug and cosmetics reactions
• Control of salt iodations
• Promotion control of food, drugs, cosmetics, herbal drugs, and medical devices

Furthermore,  radio spots on the functions of TFDA were aired by both radio one and RTD.

3. Articles and press release on the Newspaper

Articles on different issues related to the role of TFDA in protecting public health are being published in local newspapers. These helps to educate the public on what is TFDA is doing to ensure the public get food, drugs, herbal drugs, cosmetics and medical devices of acceptable quality, safety and effectiveness.

4. Drug information bulletin

Drug information bulletin aims at disseminating information related to quality, safety and effectiveness of drugs to healthcare providers within the country and abroad. It is published every three months. It also aim to promote rational prescribing, dispensing and use of drugs (click here for the current issue)

5. Tanzania National Formulary

Section 5(1)(j) of the Tanzania Food, Drugs and Cosmetics Act 2003 requires the TFDA to establish and maintain the Tanzania National Formulary (TNF). Public Education section is reviewing the 1^st edition of TNF to update the information and add new classes of the drugs which are registered in Tanzania. Once ready, it can be purchased from TFDA headquarters and online (upon subscription).

The new edition will have a topic on the antiretroviral drugs which are useful in the management of HIV/AIDS

6. IEC materials

Information, Education and Communication (IEC) materials on the various issues related to regulation and use of food, drugs, herbal drugs, cosmetics and medical devices are produced by public education sections. Such materials include brochures and posters on the role of TFDA in protecting public health, rational use of antibiotics, and rational use of SP. They are available both in Swahili and English

To request any of the materials from TFDA click here