Employing (Home) Organisation: Tanzania Food and Nutrition Centre (TFNC)
Project title: Enhancing Nutritional Care and Support for Cancer Patients through Health Service Delivery Optimization in Specialized Cancer Referral Hospitals of Tanzania.
Dr. Hoyce Mshida, is a Principal Research Scientist and Head of Dietetics Section at the Tanzania Food and Nutrition Centre. She holds a PhD in Food and Nutritional Sciences, a Master’s in Public Health and a BSc. Degree in Human Nutrition. Her research focuses on clinical oncology nutrition to address critical gaps in cancer care. Her experience as a Head of Dietetics Section at TFNC drives her commitment to this award, aiming to transform cancer nutritional Service Delivery across Tanzania.
Summary of Project Destination
In Tanzania`s specialized Health Facilities, nutritional support for cancer patients is limited, leading to poor treatment outcomes and increased mortality. Dr. Hoyce is dedicated to bridging this critical service delivery gap. Employing a mixed-methods design, she will conduct a gap analysis to inform development of a standardized, innovative clinical nutrition intervention package for cancer patients in specialized health facilities. After her fellowship, Dr. Hoyce plans to scale this intervention nationwide while formulating a locally-produced, nutrient-dense instant formula for combating the problem of under-nutrition in this vulnerable population. The initiative is expected to transform Tanzania’s healthcare service delivery system, establishing a new standard of care that significantly improves survival rates and enhances quality of life for cancer patients across the region.
Summary of Fellowship Plan
Dr. Hoyce will be placed at the Centre of Excellence for Nutrition at North-West University, South Africa, under Prof. Arista Nienaber`s supervision. The placement is expected to build her expertise in clinical nutrition in oncology research and practical dietetics interventions. TFNC will support Dr. Hoyce upon her return from fellowship by supporting the validation of the developed nutrition intervention package, integrate them into national policy, and sustain this new research niche through mentorship and future grant applications.
Quote
“Optimizing nutritional service delivery in specialized health facilities, transforms clinical outcomes in cancer patients, ensuring higher survival rates, and reduced mortality in specialized referral hospitals”
Proposed start date of the Fellowship is July 2026