Tanzania evaluates strategies used to manage disease outbreaks

MOROGORO: THE Tanzanian government, in collaboration with stakeholders in the health sector, continues to take strong measures to enhance disease outbreak surveillance systems at all levels across the country.

The aim is to prevent and control outbreaks promptly and effectively.

This statement was made by Dr. Erasto Sylvanus, Assistant Director of the Department of Emergencies and Disasters, during a technical working session held in Morogoro.

The session focused on evaluating the strategies used to manage the Marburg virus outbreak that occurred in Kagera Region and on developing future plans to prevent and control such diseases.

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“Through this working session, we will engage in detailed discussions and prepare a work plan with specific recommendations on how to respond to disease outbreaks should they occur. Our goal is to sustain and strengthen what we did well while addressing the previous challenges to ensure they do not recur,” said Dr. Sylvanus.

On her part, Dr. Saumu Nungu, Disaster Risk Management Coordinator from the Ministry of Health, emphasized the importance of community involvement and early reporting in the fight against disease outbreaks.

“I urge all citizens to continue cooperating with the Government by reporting any signs of illness early in their communities. This collaboration is essential in strengthening emergency response strategies,” said Dr. Nungu.

Dr. Faraja Msemwa, an Emergency and Health Disaster Expert from the World Health Organization (WHO), added that WHO continues to work closely with the Ministry of Health to ensure the country is well-prepared to respond to health emergencies and outbreaks as they arise.

The working session is part of ongoing efforts by the Government and its partners to safeguard public health and ensure early detection and response to disease outbreaks.