Tanzania inaugurates online programme on One Health

DAR ES SALAAM: THE Tanzanian government, through the Prime Minister’s Office – Policy, Parliament, and Coordination, has officially launched an online training program on One Health (ECHO) in a move that aims to strengthen the capacity of service providers across human, animal, and environmental health sectors at all levels.

Speaking during the launch event held at the ECHO Hub located within the Department of Research and Training at Muhimbili National Hospital in Dar es Salaam, the Permanent Secretary of the Prime Minister’s Office, Dr. Jim Yonazi, stated that the initiative is part of the government’s broader efforts to address emergencies and disasters that pose threats to human, animal, and environmental health.

“In collaboration with sectoral ministries and the USAID-funded Global Health Security project implemented by CIHEB Tanzania, the Prime Minister’s Office has initiated this online training to enhance the capacity of service providers in these critical sectors,” said Dr. Yonazi.

He urged leaders and employees from various sectors to actively participate in the sessions, noting that expert facilitators would deliver a wide range of topics designed to boost national preparedness and response to infectious disease outbreaks, crop pests, antimicrobial resistance, and food safety issues.

ALSO READ: Samia leads primary healthcare gains

Brigadier General Hosea Ndagala, Director of Disaster Management in the Prime Minister’s Office, explained that the training is expected to enhance the effectiveness of professionals in tackling key challenges, including zoonotic diseases (transmitted between animals and humans), antimicrobial resistance (AMR), biological hazards, food safety, and non-communicable diseases.

He further noted that the training would involve professionals from a range of sectors, including health, environment, livestock, and fisheries.

Suzanne Nchalla, representing the Director of the Department of Health and Nutrition Services in the President’s Office – Regional Administration and Local Government (TAMISEMI), said the program will help primary-level health workers better understand the One Health concept, thus improving service delivery within communities.

“PO-RALG (TAMISEMI) will ensure that primary healthcare workers participate fully in this training. We will mobilize and oversee local government leaders to ensure they attend the scheduled sessions to achieve the intended goals of this initiative,” said Nchalla.

Meanwhile, Dr. Otilia Gowelle, representing the Chief Government Medical Officer, highlighted the Ministry of Health’s recognition of the importance of cross-sectoral and stakeholder collaboration in preparing for and responding to disease outbreaks and other health-related emergencies.

“The Ministry of Health is both a participant and a key beneficiary of this initiative. We will continue to promote the participation of a wide range of professionals, including nurses, doctors, pharmacists, health officers, lab specialists, and others working in healthcare facilities,” stated Dr. Gowelle.

She reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to offering continuous support wherever necessary to ensure the successful implementation of the One Health training program.