ISSN 2326-7275
International Journal of Anatomy and Physiology | Vol. 15, No. 11, November 2026 | pp. 1–4
DOI: 10.46882/2026/IJAP/001031
Full Length Research Paper
Title: Reforming Respiratory Physiology Education in Tanzania: Aligning Medical Curricula with Primary Care Needs
Names of Authors: Yohana Mashalla¹, Amos Massele¹, Marina Njelekela², Simon Mamuya²*
Authors’ Affiliations:
¹ School of Medicine, University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana.
² Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
Abstract:
Effective management of Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) by General Practitioners is likely to be compromised by respiratory physiology training that has a main focus on acute respiratory diseases with high mortality and little focus on empowering medical and nursing students and practitioners on respiratory care. Results of this study indicate that lack of responsiveness of respiratory physiology courses for undergraduate and postgraduate students, a lack of structured in-service training programmes on respiratory care, and inadequate training facilities for lung function assessment are key challenges to the medical schools. It is concluded that a concerted effort is required through global partnerships to enhance training and re-training of general practitioners and nurses on primary respiratory care and to make accessible relevant resources needed for building competencies in lung function assessment and the interpretation of results.
Keywords: Respiratory care, respiratory care practitioners, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Manuscript Timeline: Received: July 10, 2026; Revised: August 22, 2026; Accepted: September 15, 2026; Published: November 01, 2026.
Citation: Mashalla Y, Massele A, Njelekela M, Mamuya S. Reforming Respiratory Physiology Education in Tanzania: Aligning Medical Curricula with Primary Care Needs. International Journal of Anatomy and Physiology. 2026; 15(11): 1–4. doi:10.46882/2026/IJAP/001031