Ministry synergy drives health sector gains
DODOMA: TANZANIA has continued to record remarkable progress in the health sector, with notable improvements in health infrastructure, availability of essential medicines and medical equipment, human resources and the delivery of quality health services across the country.
These achievements are largely attributed to the strong collaboration between the Ministry of Health and the President’s Office – Regional Administration and Local Government (PO-RALG), along with substantial government investment and the sustained support of development partners.
This was said yesterday by the Minister for Health, Jenista Mhagama and the Minister of State in the President’s Office (Regional Administration and Local Government), Mohamed Mchengerwa, during the annual meeting of Regional and Council Medical Officers ( RMOs/CMOs) held at the Jakaya Kikwete Convention Centre in Dodoma.
Speaking at the event, Ms Mhagama highlighted the strong partnership between the Ministry of Health and PO-RALG, describing it as exemplary and instrumental in the successful implementation of health projects across the country.
“We have achieved a great deal, but the journey continues. We must deepen our cooperation to ensure that every Tanzanian accesses high-quality, modern, equitable and timely health care,” she said.
Highlighting a key milestone, Ms Mhagama said that in the past four years, the health sector budget has steadily increased, reflecting the government’s strong commitment to improving service delivery nationwide.
She said Tanzania is now among the few countries in Africa to enact a Universal Health Insurance Law, an important step towards ensuring that all citizens can access health services without financial hardship.
She also pointed to the government’s continued efforts to strengthen digital health systems, enabling seamless communication and data-sharing between health facilities from the primary level to national referral hospitals thus improving efficiency and coordination of services.
Ms Mhagama also highlighted the country’s capacity to respond swiftly to public health threats, citing the successful containment of the Marburg virus outbreak in 2023, which was resolved within three months.
“Through the Pandemic Fund, the government plans to strengthen emergency response services in all regions during this financial year,” she said. She also revealed that Tanzania has become an emerging destination for medical tourism, having served over 12,000 international patients.
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Additionally, she celebrated Tanzania’s increasing global influence in the health sector, mentioning the appointment of Professor Janabi to lead the World Health Organisation’s Africa Regional Office.
Ms Mhagama credited these successes to the visionary leadership of President Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan, who has made health a top priority in her national development agenda.
