Tanzania rolls out 185 TB diagnostic machines

DAR ES SALAAM: MINISTER for Health, Jenista Mhagama said on Monday that a total of 185 tuberculosis (TB) diagnostic machines have been distributed across the country to improve early detection and treatment of the disease.

The machines, which will be deployed to all 26 regions of mainland Tanzania and two regions in Zanzibar, are part of a strategic initiative aimed at strengthening the healthcare system by ensuring timely diagnoses, bringing services closer to communities and reducing TB transmission nationwide.

Speaking at the ceremony to launch the distribution of the diagnostic machines and a new rapid initiative for identifying TB patients, Ms Mhagama emphasised that the move reflects the government’s commitment to decentralising healthcare services.

She also launched a special programme focused on identifying TB patients in 76 councils across nine regions.

“This is a milestone in our fight against TB. By decentralising diagnostic tools, we are not only bringing services closer to the people but also enhancing our ability to prevent the spread of the disease through early detection and treatment,” she said.

She highlighted that TB remains a significant health challenge in Tanzania, with many cases going undiagnosed due to limited access to diagnostic facilities.

The introduction of these new machines aims to bridge this gap, ensuring that rural and underserved communities have access to reliable TB testing services.

This initiative aligns with Tanzania’s broader public health goals, particularly the pursuit of healthcare equity and the fight against communicable diseases.

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By reducing the distance patients must travel to access TB diagnosis, the Ministry of Health aims to eliminate the barriers that often delay treatment and increase the risk of disease transmission.

Ms Mhagama also explained that the programme, launched alongside the machine distribution, specifically targets high-risk councils where TB prevalence is particularly high.

In addition to improving national TB detection and treatment, the initiative positions Tanzania as a leader in the regional battle against TB, contributing to the global goal of eliminating the disease as a public health threat by 2030.

By leveraging advanced technology and expanding its diagnostic network, the country is setting an example for other nations facing similar challenges.

“This is not just about the machines; it’s about saving lives.

Every citizen deserves timely and effective healthcare and this initiative brings us one step closer to achieving that vision,” Minister Mhagama concluded.