Samia woos vaccine investors

DAR ES SALAAM: PRESIDENT Samia Suluhu Hassan yesterday ordered renewed efforts to establish local vaccine manufacturing industries, directing newly appointed health officials to attract investors as part of the country’s strategy to strengthen health security and reduce dependence on imports.

Speaking after swearing in several senior government officials at the State House in Dar es Salaam yesterday, President Samia directed the officials to serve with diligence, integrity and accountability as the government embarks on implementing the Tanzania Development Vision 2050.

Addressing the newly sworn-in Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health, Dr Grace Magembe, President Samia instructed the ministry to prioritise attracting investors, to establish vaccine manufacturing industries in the country, saying local production would guarantee a reliable supply of vaccines while lowering import costs.

“We need to continue attracting investors to establish vaccine manufacturing industries in the country. This will help us ensure reliable access to vaccines and reduce our dependence on imports,” President Samia said.

The President swore in Dr Magembe as Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health, Charles Kadonya as Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation responsible for East African Community Affairs and Nolasco Kipanda as Secretary of the Public Service Commission.

She further directed the ministry for health to encourage investment in the local production of high-quality medical equipment to improve availability and support the government’s target of meeting at least 60 per cent of the country’s demand for medicines and medical supplies through domestic production by 2030.

The President directed Dr Magembe, who is a medical doctor with extensive public service experience, to work closely with fellow health professionals and ensure prudent management of public resources to achieve better and faster results in the health sector.

“You are joining a ministry that already has capable professionals. Work with them closely and ensure that public funds are managed effectively to deliver quality services to wananchi,” she said.

Turning to foreign affairs, President Samia instructed Mr Kadonya to safeguard the country’s interests within the East African Community, while promoting stronger regional cooperation and supporting the bloc’s integration agenda.

She said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation should continue strengthening the country’s role within the Community and ensure that national priorities are effectively represented in regional decision-making processes.

The Head of State also directed Mr Kipanda to uphold integrity, fairness and justice in handling disciplinary and employment-related matters involving public servants.

She said the Public Service Commission should eliminate unnecessary complaints by ensuring that all decisions are based on facts and the rule of law.

“The Commission must make decisions based on justice. A public servant who has committed an offence should be held accountable, while one who has done nothing wrong must be protected,” President Samia said.

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She added: “In some institutions, employees are sometimes subjected to unfair decisions because of personal differences or receive severe punishment for minor offences. Such practices must not be allowed to continue,”

President Samia said public institutions have a responsibility to uphold professionalism, accountability and fairness, noting that strong institutions and effective leadership will be essential in achieving the country’s long-term development aspirations under Vision 2050.