Tanzania resorts to science diplomacy in driving Africa’s health system  

NEW YORK: TANZANIA has affirmed its support in science diplomacy in strengthening health systems, driving innovation, and enhancing regional cooperation for the sustainable development of Africa

That was revealed by the country’s Ministry of Health, which collaborated with the East, Central and Southern Africa Health Community (ECSA-HC) and Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS) to have an important dialogue on science diplomacy that aims at highlighting the role of science in strengthening health systems, driving innovation, and enhancing regional cooperation for the sustainable development of Africa.

The dialogue organized during the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 80) in New York, USA, brought together government leaders from across Africa, researchers, representatives of regional institutions, and development partners.

Speaking on behalf of the Minister of Health, the Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Ismail Rumatila, stressed the importance of using scientific research findings to craft real solutions to pressing challenges, including investing in domestic production to reduce external dependency.

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Moreover, Rumatila mentioned institutions like MUHAS and ECSA-HC as examples of African innovation success stories that the continent should be proud of and continue to build upon.

For his part, the Director General of ECSA-HC, Dr Ntuli Kapologwe called on the international community to increase investment in Africa’s scientific capacity, noting that although the continent bears more than 25 percent  of the global disease burden, it contributes less than 2 percent of scientific publications and receives less than 1 percent of global research and development (R&D) funding.

Additionally, Dr Kapologwe noted that ECSA-HC is in the process of establishing a Regional Center of Excellence for Science and Innovation in Arusha, which will focus on promoting research and innovation as a means of addressing Africa’s health challenges.