This report presents findings from an exploratory qualitative study examining the functionality, interconnections, and adaptability of community health workers (CHW) and primary healthcare (PHC) systems in regard to facilitating early detection and referral of children with, or at risk of, disabilities in in purposively selected regions of Mainland Tanzania. Early detection of disabilities in children is key to effective and inclusive early childhood development. It can lead to the design and implementation of effective follow-up and rehabilitation services so that further delays in the child’s development are prevented.
Literature suggests there is an urgent need to strengthen disability identification systems across countries and especially in resource-limited contexts, such as Tanzania, where the number of children who survive but who are not thriving is ever increasing. In order to move forward with better programmes to identify and support children with disabilities, we need evidence about both ‘what works’ and ‘why it works’, with reference to strategies for early detection and empowerment of parents, and health and education providers at the community level.