The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Finance, Dr. Natu El-maamry Mwamba (left), and the Director of Development from the British Embassy in Tanzania, Ms. Kemi Williams, display the signed agreement between the Governments of Tanzania and the United Kingdom. Photo: Courtesy
By Charles Mkoka
Dar es Salaam– The Governments of Tanzania and the United Kingdom have signed an addendum to their partnership agreement, committing an additional £10 million (approximately Sh 34 billion) to the Health Basket Fund (HBF). This extended financial support is intended to enhance the provision of quality healthcare services across Tanzania from 2024 through 2029.
The signing ceremony took place at the National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR) in Dar es Salaam. Key representatives in attendance included Dr. Natu El-maamry Mwamba, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Finance; Dr. John A. Jingu, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health; Dr. Grace E. Magembe, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the President’s Office, Regional Administration and Local Government (OR-TAMISEMI); and Ms. Kemi Williams, Director of Development from the British Embassy in Tanzania.
Dr. Natu El-maamry Mwamba expressed the government's satisfaction in formalizing the extension of the agreement, emphasizing that the UK’s contribution solidifies its role as a valued development partner under the existing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in July 2021.
“The Health Basket Fund pools resources from various partners to improve healthcare in Tanzania. This collaborative approach with Ireland, Denmark, Switzerland, KOICA, UNFPA, and UNICEF has already brought meaningful progress in achieving our healthcare goals,” said Dr. Mwamba. She added that the HBF has contributed to reductions in child mortality and expanded access to essential health services, particularly at the community level.
Dr. John Jingu, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, highlighted the impact the Health Basket Fund has made since its launch in 1999. “The HBF has strengthened services across district hospitals and village health facilities. This new five-year commitment from the UK will go directly into sustaining and expanding these vital services,” Dr. Jingu said.
Dr. Grace E. Magembe, representing PO-RALG, noted that the partnership with international donors has supported the establishment of more health centers, dispensaries, and district hospitals. This progress, she said, has brought healthcare within reach of 65% to 70% of Tanzanians, who now live within five kilometers of a health facility.
Ms. Kemi Williams from the British Embassy underscored the UK government’s commitment to universal healthcare and the critical role of resilient healthcare systems achieved through partnerships. “Universal healthcare means accessible, quality care for everyone, regardless of their financial situation,” Ms. Williams stated.
Ms. Williams praised Tanzania’s leadership under President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, noting the administration’s dedication to expanding primary healthcare and implementing universal health insurance. “We support Tanzania’s vision for universal healthcare and its commitment to end preventable deaths by 2030. The UK government will continue to provide both financial and technical support to improve primary healthcare across the country,” she concluded.
This contribution to the Health Basket Fund aligns with Tanzania's ongoing reforms to close healthcare access gaps, particularly in rural areas, helping bring the country closer to its universal healthcare goals.
