Tanzania sets stage for global dialogue on primary health care
ARUSHA: TANZANIA will host the Second International Primary Health Care Conference from September 9 to 11 in Arusha, bringing together health experts, policymakers, researchers, development partners and innovators from across Africa and beyond to discuss the future of primary health care and universal health coverage.
The conference, jointly organised by the Prime Minister’s Office – Regional Administration and Local Government (PMO-RALG), the Ministry of Health and development partners, builds on the inaugural conference held in Dodoma in 2024, the first event of its kind since Tanzania gained independence.
Speaking ahead of the conference at the Arusha International Conference Centre (AICC), PMO-RALG Director of Health Services, Social Welfare and Nutrition, Dr Rashid Mfaume described primary health care as the backbone of Tanzania’s health system, saying the gathering will provide a global platform to showcase the country’s achievements while promoting collaboration, innovation and knowledge sharing.
Held under the theme “Towards Universal Health Coverage: Strengthening Sustainable Health Financing for Universal Health Care,” the conference will focus on sustainable health financing, efficient use of financial and human resources, improved service quality and innovative approaches to primary health care delivery.
Dr Mfaume said the meeting will highlight Tanzania’s progress in health service delivery, research and innovation while enabling participants to share experiences and best practices to strengthen health systems across Africa and beyond.
A key highlight will be Tanzania’s achievements in maternal and child health under President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s administration, which has prioritised investment in primary health care.
He said maternal mortality has declined from about 556 to 104 deaths per 100,000 live births, according to the 2022 survey.
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The country has also recorded significant reductions in deaths among children under five, achievements the government plans to showcase during the conference.
The gains are attributed to sustained investment in primary health care infrastructure, expanded access to essential services and improved service delivery at community level.
Primary health care begins with preventive and promotive services at community level before patients are referred to dispensaries, health centres and district or council hospitals.
These facilities provide services to more than 80 per cent of Tanzanians. PMO-RALG coordinates implementation, while the Ministry of Health provides policy direction and technical oversight.
Dr Mfaume said the conference will bring together frontline health workers, researchers, academics, policymakers, development partners, private sector representatives and ICT innovators to share practical solutions, strengthen partnerships and advance universal health coverage.
He called on stakeholders from Tanzania, Africa and the international community to participate, saying stronger collaboration, innovation and sustainable financing are essential for building resilient health systems and achieving universal access to quality primary health care.
