DAR ES SALAAM: PRIME Minister Kassim Majaliwa has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to implementing the recommendations outlined in the evaluation report on Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and emergency preparedness.
The Prime Minister expressed the commitment during the opening of a joint meeting yesterday with ministers and senior officials from the World Health Organisation (WHO) to discuss the state of UHC and emergency preparedness in the country.
At the meeting, Mr Majaliwa also officially launched the evaluation report. The Prime Minister emphasised the government’s commitment to addressing the report’s key areas, including governance, performance and financial resources, through robust strategies.
He assured that any challenges in the areas would be resolved collaboratively. “I have no doubt that any challenge in these areas will be addressed, especially as this meeting provides an opportunity for ministers to discuss and collaborate on various issues related to universal health coverage and emergency preparedness,” he said.
The Prime Minister urged ministries, departments, institutions, and local government authorities to allocate funds for implementing priority activities outlined in the report.
He highlighted the importance of aligning these efforts with preparations for the 2024/2025 national budget. Furthermore, he directed the Ministry of Health to invest in research institutions, laboratories, and drug authorities for humans and animals to enhance the detection of pathogens during disease outbreaks.
In addition, Mr Majaliwa tasked the Ministry of Industry and Trade with promoting local production of health products to strengthen Tanzania’s ability to respond to health emergencies.
He also called for the sustainable operation of emergency care centres and continued engagement of community health workers to ensure citizens have access to basic healthcare services.
The Prime Minister stressed the importance of building strong disaster management systems and educating the public on disaster response.
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He pointed to the increasing effects of climaterelated disasters and disease outbreaks as urgent areas for preparedness. Minister for Health Jenista Mhagama highlighted the meeting’s role in fostering collaboration between the government and the community.
She emphasised that UHC and emergency preparedness require multisectoral participation.
“This will help build mutual understanding and participation between the community and the government, recognising that combating disease outbreaks is a responsibility for all sectors and everyone,” she noted, adding that strategies must focus on addressing human, animal, food, and environmental health.
WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr Faustine Ndugulile, commended President Samia Suluhu Hassan for her significant investments in health, which have positioned Tanzania as a leader in disaster management and infectious disease response.
The joint meeting underscored Tanzania’s commitment to improving healthcare systems and addressing health emergencies comprehensively
