By The Respondent ReporterArusha, Tanzania—The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation responsible for East African Affairs, Ambassador Stephen P. Mbundi, today, May 8, 2025, led Tanzania’s delegation to the East African Community (EAC) Permanent Secretaries’ Meeting held in Arusha.
The meeting, which follows the Senior Officials’ session conducted from May 5 to 7, 2025, is part of preparations for the upcoming 25th EAC Sectoral Council of Ministers of Health meeting scheduled for May 9, 2025.
The Permanent Secretaries’ session focused on setting regional health priorities, including strengthening interoperable health systems, enhancing collaboration in epidemic and infectious disease surveillance, improving access to advanced medical technologies, and reinforcing health sector governance across the Community.
Speaking on behalf of Ambassador Mbundi during the official opening, Prof. Daniel Mushi, Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology responsible for science, emphasized the importance of regional coordination in health.
“I commend the EAC Secretariat and senior officials for their excellent coordination and the preparation of comprehensive documents that will enable the Council of Ministers to develop solid policy guidelines,” said Prof. Mushi.
He further highlighted that the meeting serves as a critical platform for member states to align strategies and share best practices.
“I believe these discussions will offer practical direction to partner states as we collectively search for solutions to existing and emerging health challenges. We must be ready together to respond swiftly and effectively to health threats,” he stressed.
Prof. Mushi also outlined the Tanzanian Government’s ongoing initiatives under President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s leadership to improve the health sector across both Mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar.
“We continue to invest in health infrastructure, build the capacity of health workers, and enhance our service delivery systems,” he said.
“We are also committed to leveraging digital health technologies and ensuring equitable access to quality healthcare, especially for vulnerable and remote communities.”
Other prominent Tanzanian participants included the Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Grace Maghembe, who emphasized the urgency of regional preparedness in dealing with public health emergencies.
“Strengthening cross-border cooperation in disease detection and response is no longer optional it’s a necessity,” she said.
Also present was Prof. Abel Makubi, Executive Director of Benjamin Mkapa Hospital in Dodoma, who noted the importance of innovation and research in improving health service delivery.
“Our health systems must be guided by evidence-based practices and regional collaboration that prioritize patient-centered care,” Prof. Makubi stated.
The meeting also brought together senior officials from ministries, departments, and government institutions representing both the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar and the United Republic of Tanzania.
