EAC approves establishment of health centres of excellence in Tanzania

ARUSHA: HEALTH Ministers from East African Community (EAC) Member States have officially approved the establishment of two Regional Centres of Excellence in Tanzania. The decision was made during the 25th Ordinary Meeting of the EAC Sectoral Council of Ministers of Health held in Arusha.

The approved centres include the Centre of Excellence in Oral Health Sciences, which will be hosted by the Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS), and the Centre of Excellence in Bone Marrow Transplantation and Hematologic Science, which will be based at Benjamin Mkapa Hospital.

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Speaking at the opening of the meeting, Tanzania’s Deputy Minister for Health and head of the country’s delegation, Dr. Godwin Mollel, stated that the approval is part of efforts to expand specialised health services and strengthen health systems across the region.

Dr. Mollel also called on member states to enhance disease surveillance, improve laboratory capacity, and increase cross-border cooperation in response to emerging health threats such as the Mpox virus.

He emphasised the importance of community engagement and accurate communication in combating misinformation and stigma related to diseases.

Tanzania remains committed to supporting the EAC health agenda by investing in human resources, health infrastructure, and medical education through regional programs and harmonisation of medical training curricula within the Community.