MZUMBE UNIVERSITY

SCHOOL OF PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION AND MANAGEMENT

(SOPAM)
SUBJECT NAME : ETHICS IN MONITORING AND EVALUATION
COURSE : BHS ME
SUBJECT CODE : ME 122
TASK : GROUP ASSIGNMENT
LECTURER : DR. AMANI PAUL
GROUP NO : 06
SN NAME REG. NO

01. BEATRICE NOMBO 18329002/T.22

02. BERTHA PENDAEL 18329020/T.22

03. EVA NZALIGO 18329021/T.22

04. FADHILI MANDA 18329056/T.22

05. FABIOLA PAUL 18329066/T.22

06. UPENDO MWALUSAMBA 18329031/T.22

07. NANCY MOLLEL 18329009/T.22

08. RAMSO GERALD 18312070/T.22

QUESTION.

What makes human beings different is that people have dignity based on their ability to choose
what they will do with their lives, and they have a moral right to have these choices respected,
discuss this statement based on the Tanzanian healthcare system.
INTRODUCTION.

Healthcare: Is the prevention, treatment, and management of illness and the preservation of
mental and physical well-being through the services offered by the medical, nursing and allied
health professions (Lazakidou A, & Siassiakos K, 2009).

This may include a wide range of activities, such as medical treatment, preventive care, health
education, community-based programs, and more. And the main objective or goal of healthcare
is to help people stay healthy or recover from illness or injury, and to ensure that they have
access to the resources and support their need to live healthy, and fulfilling their lives.

Health system; refers to the organization of people, institutions, and resources that deliver
healthcare services to meet the health needs of targeted populations (Figueras, J & McKee, M
2012).

The main objective of health system is to improve health of a populations through targeted
prevention, restoration and maintenance health of the populations.

Dignity; refers to the inherent worth and value of every individual, regardless of their
circumstances, characteristics, or achievements (Addis A, 2013).

It encompasses the idea that all human beings possess certain rights, respect, and should be
treated with fairness, empathy, and consideration. Also includes aspects such as self-respect,
self-worth, and the recognition of one's fundamental rights and freedoms.

Moral; refers to principles or standards of behavior that determine what is right or wrong, and
good or bad. Morals are often derived from various sources, including religious teachings,
philosophical theories, cultural norms, and personal values (Cooney, 2009).

Morality encompasses a wide range of issues, such as honesty, integrity, justice, compassion,
empathy, fairness, respect for others, and the avoidance of harm. It influences our choices,
decisions, and interactions with others, shaping our character and contributing to the formation
of a cohesive and harmonious social order. Ethics, which is the philosophical study of morality,
explores different ethical theories and frameworks that seek to understand and justify moral
principles and their application in various contexts.
MAIN DISCUSSION.

The statement is certainly true in general, as the freedom to choose one’s own path in life is
fundamental aspect of human dignity and flourishing. However, when it comes to the Tanzanian
healthcare system, there are some important things to consider as well as follows:-

Limited access to healthcare: Includes ensuring equitable access to healthcare services. In

Tanzania, this can be a challenge due to factors such as geographical barriers, limited healthcare
infrastructure, and financial constraints. To uphold individuals' moral right to healthcare choices,
efforts should be made to address these barriers. in Tanzania, many people do not have access to
basic healthcare services due to a lack of resources and infrastructure. As a result, individuals
may not have the ability to seek out healthcare options even if they wanted to do so. For
example, initiatives to improve rural healthcare infrastructure, provide affordable healthcare
options, and expand health insurance coverage can enhance people's ability to access and choose
appropriate healthcare services (WHO, 2018).

Cultural beliefs and stigma: Respecting human dignity in healthcare involves recognizing and
accommodating individuals' cultural values and beliefs. In Tanzania, with its diverse population,
cultural sensitivity is crucial. For instance, healthcare providers should be knowledgeable about
and sensitive to traditional healing practices, religious beliefs, and cultural customs that may
affect patients' healthcare decisions. By acknowledging and respecting these factors, individual’s
choices and autonomy can be upheld within the healthcare system (WHO, 2018).

In some cases, cultural beliefs or stigma may prevent individuals from seeking out healthcare
services. For example some may view certain illnesses or conditions as punishment or expletive,
leading to unwillingness in seeking treatment. By acknowledging and respecting these factors,
individual’s choices and autonomy can be upheld within the healthcare system.

Limited treatment options: Respecting human dignity means acknowledging that individuals
have the right to choose their preferred treatment options, taking into account their values,
beliefs, and personal circumstances. In the Tanzanian healthcare system, it is important to
provide patients with a range of treatment options and involve them in the decision-making
process. For example, if a patient is diagnosed with a particular condition, they should have
access to information about various treatment approaches and be able to decide which one is the
best with their preferences and goals (CMO S, 2018).
Even for those who do have access to healthcare, treatment option may be limited. This
diminishes a person’s ability to make choices about their healthcare, as they may not have access
to the same variety of treatments or procedures and other services that are been provided.

Autonomy and Informed Consent: Respect for autonomy implies that individuals have the
right to make decisions about their own bodies and healthcare. In Tanzania, ensuring informed
consent is crucial to upholding this principle. For example, before conducting any medical
procedure or treatment, healthcare providers should obtain the consent of the patient after
providing relevant information about the risks, benefits, and alternatives. This allows individuals
to make informed choices about their own healthcare (WHO, 2021).

Human right and healthcare; finally it is important to consider the relationship between human
right and healthcare in Tanzania. The Tanzania constitution recognize healthcare as a
fundamental of human right, and the government has made the effort to improve access to
healthcare for all citizen. However there are challenges to be addressed such as dispirits in access
to healthcare between urban and rural areas, and between different socioeconomic groups.

Ensuring that all Tanzanian have access to quality healthcare is essential for respecting their
dignity and autonomy (Amnesty international, 2019).

Limited healthcare education: Many Tanzania citizens may be unaware of the medical options
available to them, or may not understand the severity of their condition. This limits their ability
to make informed choices about their own healthcare. The effectiveness of a system in
responding to patient needs depends upon a variety of factors-facilities, supplies, state of
knowledge, information technology but such input are meaningless without appropriately
educated professionals working within and continually redesigning the system to adapt to
ongoing and future challenges (Cantor J, and R.G Hughes, 1993).

Socioeconomic factors: Socioeconomic factors such as poverty or lack of education may limit a
person’s ability to make choices about their health. Healthcare are concentrated among
individuals with poor socioeconomic status which creates health inequality despite many
international organizations top priority is enhancing universal health coverage. For example
individuals living in poverty may be unable to afford certain treatments or medications, or may
not have the time or resources to seek out medical attention even if they wanted to do so
(Hosseinpoor AR, and Williams JAS, 2012).
Lack of government investment in healthcare: Tanzanian governments has the challenge of
inadequate investment in healthcare limits people’s ability to access quality of care. The funding
shortfall results in a shortage of physicians, nurses, midwives and other healthcare professionals
as well as limited access to medicines, vaccines and medical supplies (WHO, 2014)

CONCLUSION.

However, it is important to note that the Tanzanian healthcare system faces various challenges
that restricts individuals’ ability to choose what they will do with their lives, particularly when it
comes to their health in fully realizing the principles outlined above. Limited resources,
infrastructure, and education can impede individuals' ability to make informed choices and
access desired healthcare services. Addressing these challenges requires investment in healthcare
infrastructure, training healthcare.
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