Access to Health Services among Elderly through TASAF III in Luhungo Ward, Morogoro District Council, Tanzania

The TASAF III program is a major, effective response to improving older adults' access to healthcare
services. However, data on TASAF III's contribution to older adults' access to health services in
Luhungo Ward, Morogoro District Council, and the factors associated with access to health services
remain scant. Thus, this study investigated the role of the Tanzania Social Action Fund (TASAF)
Program in older adults' access to health services in Luhungo Ward, Morogoro District Council. The
study used data from a survey of 60 older adults aged 50 and above in Luhungo Ward, Morogoro
District Council. It used a mixed-methods case study, triangulating descriptive and exploratory
designs to analyse the role of TASAF III programs in elders' access to health services in Luhungo
Ward, Morogoro District Council. The study used descriptive analysis, content analysis, and thematic
analysis of 70 interviews, along with a systematic documentary review. The research examined the
availability of health facilities, transport used to reach them, travel distances, and the affordability
and acceptability of services. The results indicate that most respondents went to Kilala Dispensary,
usually walking. Distances varied, as some older people had to travel long distances because of
how the facilities were situated. Affordability was also a concern, as some people said they had paid
for the services, which in turn influenced their satisfaction. Other problems included poor facility
conditions and a lack of specialised training among healthcare providers. The findings highlight that,
despite TASAF's indirect role, the healthcare system is complex, with factors such as physical
availability, proximity, affordability, and quality shaping elderly people's access to health services.
The study concluded that improving infrastructure, affordability, and training is essential to improving
healthcare access for the elderly in the area.