UK contributes 11.8bn/- in Tanzania’s battle against tropical diseases

DAR ES SALAAM: OVER the past two decades, Tanzania has received 11.8bn/- from the UK government to support the fight against Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs), including lymphatic filariasis (Elephantiasis), hydrocele, low vision, onchocerciasis (River Blindness) and schistosomiasis (Bilharzia).

Health Minister Jenista Mhagama said this on Wednesday, following discussions with Royal Highness the Duchess of Edinburgh Sophie Helen Rhys-Jones, in Dar es Salaam.

The minister said that the funds have been instrumental in training health specialists, conducting surgeries, purchasing medical equipment and providing preventive treatments in areas affected by Trachoma, a disease that can lead to blindness.

“President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s good diplomatic relations with other nations have brought in numerous partners who assist in various sectors, including health,” said Minister Mhagama.

She added that The Duchess visit is a testament to the UK’s commitment to helping Tanzania eradicate NTDs.
The Duchess is in Tanzania from 16 – 20 September 2024 to celebrate UK-Tanzania collaboration on health, agriculture and women’s empowerment.

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She is passionate about eliminating avoidable blindness and, since 2003, has been a Global Ambassador for the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB). She was also Patron of Vision 2020: The Right to Sight and Vice-Patron of The Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Trust.

The Duchess has seen first-hand the difference organisations with the right knowledge, experience and funding can make on a global scale.

Ms Mhagama further explained that the World Health Organization (WHO) aims to eliminate NTDs globally by 2030, and Tanzania is targeting a 95 per cent elimination rate by 2027.

Regarding universal health coverage, she urged the UK government to collaborate with Tanzania on the national health insurance fund to help low-income citizens access healthcare services without financial constraints.

She also called on the public to maintain hygiene by washing their hands and faces to prevent the spread of NTDs.

Tanzania remains endemic for several NTDs, including lymphatic filariasis (LF), onchocerciasis, trachoma, schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminthiasis.

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NTD Control Programme Manager from the Ministry of Health Dr Clara Jones said that through various interventions the government has assisted many citizens from permanent disabilities caused by NTDs.

“These diseases primarily affect low-income individuals and the government has implemented various interventions to combat them, including mass drug administration, surgeries and treatment for those already affected,” said Dr Clara.