By Theresia Victor
Tanzania and Japan, through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), have signed a 27.3 billion assistance agreement to strengthen Tanzania’s healthcare system, particularly in maternal and child health services.
The agreement was signed today in Dar es Salaam at the Sub-Treasury Offices by Dr. Natu El-maamry Mwamba, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Finance, on behalf of the Tanzanian government. Representing Japan were Hon. Yoichi Mikami, Ambassador of Japan to Tanzania, and Ara Hitoshi, JICA's Chief Representative.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Dr. Mwamba emphasized that the funds will be allocated for procuring medical equipment to enhance maternal and child health services. She highlighted that this support aligns with Tanzania’s Five-Year Development Plan, which prioritizes improving the quality of healthcare services nationwide.
“This funding supports the Government’s efforts in the health sector, ensuring quality health services are accessible to communities in a timely manner,” said Dr. Mwamba.
The project will be implemented by the Ministry of Health and aims to improve healthcare access by equipping seven referral hospitals and that is Dodoma Regional Referral Hospital, Tumbi Hospital (Coast Region), Mount Meru Hospital (Arusha), Sekou-Toure Hospital (Mwanza)
Songea Regional Referral Hospital (Ruvuma), Maweni Regional Referral Hospital (Kigoma), and Lumumba Hospital (Zanzibar).
Dr. Mwamba stressed that the advanced medical equipment will enhance diagnostic and treatment capabilities, particularly in maternal and child healthcare.
“This assistance is a testament to the growing cooperation between our two nations, as seen in the increasing number of development projects funded by the Government of Japan through grants and concessional loans,” she said.
She expressed Tanzania’s appreciation for Japan’s continued support, which has contributed significantly to the country’s socio-economic development.
“Tanzania will continue to strengthen development cooperation for the benefit of our people, and the Government will take all necessary steps to ensure this project is effectively implemented,” she affirmed.
Japanese Ambassador Hon. Yoichi Mikami reaffirmed Japan’s dedication to Tanzania’s development, particularly in the health sector.
“The Government of Japan will continue to collaborate with Tanzania to promote sustainable social and economic growth and enhance the well-being of Tanzanians,” said Mikami.
JICA’s Chief Representative, Ara Hitoshi, reiterated Japan’s long-standing support for Tanzania’s healthcare system. He highlighted JICA’s contributions in hospital management and quality health service delivery across regional referral hospitals.
“We have witnessed improvements in efficiency, safety, and quality of healthcare services, all contributing significantly to Tanzania’s goal of achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC),” he said.
He also noted the significant decline in maternal mortality rates, from 760 per 100,000 live births in 2000 to 238 in 2020, along with reductions in infant and under-five mortality rates.
Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Ismail Rumatila, expressed gratitude for the support, emphasizing that the equipment procured will greatly enhance diagnostic and treatment capacity at the seven referral hospitals.
This agreement marks another milestone in the strong partnership between Tanzania and Japan, reflecting a shared commitment to improving healthcare services and ensuring better health outcomes for all Tanzanians.
