Dar es Salaam — The governments of Tanzania and South Korea have officially launched a landmark partnership to enhance the capacity and efficiency of Tanzania’s National Public Health Laboratory (NPHL).
The initiative aims to boost disease detection, research, and rapid diagnosis, strengthening the country’s response to emerging public health threats.
Speaking at the launch event held at the National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR) in Dar es Salaam, Acting Director of Emergency Services, Dr. Erasto Sylvanus, representing the Ministry of Health’s Permanent Secretary, highlighted the significance of the collaboration.
Dr. Sylvanus said the Korea Foundation for International Healthcare (KOFIH) will provide TZS 10 billion over five years to support the project.
To date, TZS 1.1 billion has been allocated for vital research targeting pathogens responsible for diseases such as dengue fever, chikungunya, and respiratory infections.
The funding will also support capacity building for rapid sample testing and accurate disease identification.
“This partnership will transform disease detection in Tanzania,” Dr. Sylvanus explained. “Previously, many patients would test negative for malaria but assume they were healthy without further investigation. Going forward, testing will extend beyond malaria to identify other infections promptly, enabling better treatment and control.”
Acting Director of NPHL, Mr. Ambele Mwafulango, underscored the institute’s strong track record in delivering reliable laboratory results, backed by internationally recognized certifications.
He noted that the project will advance NPHL’s capabilities by enabling investigations into the sources of infectious agents and developing strategies to combat them through applied research.
KOFIH Health Specialist, Mr. Hansol Park, reaffirmed Korea’s commitment to the partnership, pledging continuous technical support and training to enhance the skills of Tanzanian laboratory professionals.
This collaboration is expected to significantly improve Tanzania’s public health laboratory services, reinforcing the country’s preparedness and response to infectious diseases, and contributing to healthier communities nationwide.