Tanzania has scored a major diplomatic and leadership victory in the regional health arena following the election of the Minister for Health, Jenista Mhagama, as the Vice Chairperson of the Eastern Africa Regional Steering Committee (ResCo) for Ministers of Health and Social Affairs.
The election took place on June 17, 2025, during a high-level ministerial meeting held in Djibouti, which brought together Health Ministers from 14 Eastern African countries.
Mhagama was endorsed unanimously by her counterparts and will serve a two-year term in the strategic role.
This appointment is widely seen as a testament to Tanzania's growing influence in regional and international health diplomacy under the leadership of President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan.
The President’s commitment to strengthening public health systems and fostering cross-border collaboration continues to gain recognition beyond Tanzania’s borders.
In their remarks, fellow ministers praised Mhagama’s strong leadership and effective engagement within a short time since assuming office.
Her ability to drive forward critical health agendas at regional forums was cited as a key factor in her election. Her new role is expected to further elevate Tanzania’s voice in setting health priorities and mobilizing resources across the region.
The Regional Steering Committee operates under the auspices of the African Union and is currently chaired by Djibouti’s Minister for Health, Dr. Ahmed Robleh Abdillah.
Its mandate includes shaping strategic direction on regional public health matters, endorsing health priorities, supporting advocacy and funding efforts, and reviewing technical recommendations through the Africa CDC Secretariat.
Zanzibar’s Minister of Health, Nassor Ahmed Mazrui, was also in attendance at the ministerial meeting.
The session was preceded by a technical experts’ gathering, during which leadership roles within the expert secretariat and the executive committee were discussed. Tanzania was represented in those sessions by the Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Grace Magembe.
The Eastern Africa bloc comprises Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Ethiopia, Rwanda, Somalia, South Sudan, Djibouti, Comoros, Eritrea, Madagascar, Mauritania, Seychelles, and Sudan.
Hon. Mhagama’s election is expected to bolster Tanzania’s role in shaping policy, improving regional cooperation, and advocating for stronger health systems that benefit citizens across East Africa.