This briefing presents findings from an exploratory qualitative study examining early detection and referral systems for children with and at risk of disability through the community and primary health system in mainland Tanzania.
This study was conducted in collaboration with government and key stakeholders between November 2024 and August 2025. It involved document review and primary data collection with national policymakers and with parents of children with disabilities, community leaders, service delivery staff and local government in Tanga, Lindi and Shinyanga.The study adopted a modified version of the World Health Organization building blocks framework to guide the research (WHO 2007).