Development of National Health Client Registry within a health sector as step toward enhancing continuity of care: Experience from Tanzania

Lack of reliable client identification significantly impacts the quality and provision of health care services. As a result of the changing epidemiological landscape, chronic diseases are a prevailing cause of hospitalizations. Many developing countries face challenges with uniquely identifying clients so that each time a client accesses health services, his/her health information can be linked to ensure continuity of care. The implementation of the NHCR has the potential to lead to accurate and persistent client identification. The initiative will contribute to HIV care and treatment surveillance and the realization of the 90-90-90 continuum framework. In cooperation with the MoHCDGEC and other partners, TSSP is overseeing the implementation of the NHCR system in Tanzania. The client registry (CR) system is part of the foundational digital health initiatives outlined in the Tanzania eHealth strategy and prioritized by the investment recommendations set for the heath sector.