‘Preserve Mkapa’s legacy’

• VP calls for strengthening human capital in health sector

DAR ES SALAAM: VICE-PRESIDENT Dr Emmanuel Nchimbi has stressed that the government will continue investing in human capital, particularly young health professionals, to strengthen healthcare systems and sustain the legacy of the late former President Benjamin Mkapa.

Representing President Samia Suluhu Hassan at the Fourth Benjamin Mkapa Legacy Forum and the Benjamin Mkapa Foundation’s 20th anniversary celebrations in Dar es Salaam yesterday, Dr Nchimbi said strong health systems require skilled professionals, resilient institutions and effective leadership.

Dr Nchimbi said young people are central to the future of Africa’s health sector, urging them to embrace emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, digital health services, data analytics and other innovations transforming healthcare delivery.

“Young people are the future leaders of the health sector, future healthcare workers and researchers. We must establish programmes that prepare them to address tomorrow’s challenges,” he said.

He said the government, under President Samia, has continued to invest in science education, particularly in higher learning institutions, to build a skilled workforce capable of contributing to national development.

Dr Nchimbi commended BMF for its 20-year contribution to Tanzania’s health sector, saying the organisation has supported government efforts in combating HIV/AIDS, expanding access to healthcare services in underserved areas and developing human resources for health.

He said the foundation’s achievements reflect the vision of the late President Mkapa, who championed strong institutions, empowered citizens and created systems designed to serve communities beyond individual leadership.

Dr Nchimbi urged stakeholders to continue strengthening health systems and expanding opportunities for young professionals, saying the best way to honour President Mkapa’s legacy is by advancing his commitment to improving people’s lives through quality healthcare and empowered human capital.

Zanzibar President and BMF Patron, Dr Hussein Mwinyi, said the late President Mkapa believed sustainable development depended on strong leadership, effective institutions and empowering young generations to drive transformation.

Dr Mwinyi said the foundation has played a significant role in strengthening health systems, developing health professionals and improving healthcare services in both Mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar.

He commended the government and development partners for supporting BMF’s work over the past two decades, saying the achievements recorded demonstrate the importance of collaboration in addressing health challenges.

Deputy Minister for Health Dr Florence Samizi said BMF’s work represents the enduring legacy of President Mkapa, whose leadership focused on ethical governance, strong institutions and sustainable development.

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She said the foundation has partnered with the government and development partners to support more than 19,000 health workers, including 11,000 community health workers, while also providing scholarships, improving health infrastructure and contributing to policy development.

Dr Samizi said the government is transforming the health sector through increased investment in human resources, infrastructure, technology and specialised medical services.

She said Tanzania currently has more than 182,000 health workers, while nearly 1,982 doctors have received advanced training through the Samia Super Specialisation Scholarship Programme, strengthening the country’s capacity to provide specialised healthcare services.

BMF Board Chairperson Ambassador Liberata Mulamula commended the government’s efforts to strengthen the health sector, noting that reforms and increased domestic financing have improved access to healthcare services. She highlighted key milestones, including progress in health financing initiatives and efforts towards achieving universal health coverage.

Late President Mkapa’s family representative, Mr William Erio, said his legacy extends beyond BMF, citing other initiatives such as the Tanzania Development Vision 2025 and establishment of the Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA), which continue to support national development.

World Health Organisation (WHO) Regional Director for Africa, Professor Mohamed Janabi, called on African governments to increase investment in young people and health workers, warning that the continent risks losing critical human resources needed to strengthen healthcare systems.