Tanzania’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy, Dr Doto Biteko, has said that 80 percent of deaths in the country could be prevented if citizens made deliberate efforts to adopt healthier lifestyles, especially by embracing regular physical exercise.
Dr Biteko made the remarks on Saturday, July 27, 2025, in Dodoma while officiating the climax of the sixth edition of the NBC Dodoma Marathon, where he represented Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa.
The event, which attracted over 12,000 participants from across and outside the country, aimed to raise funds to improve maternal and child health.
“According to the World Health Organization (WHO) report of 2022, regular physical activity such as jogging can reduce the risk of heart disease by over 35 percent,” said Dr Biteko.
“Exercise also helps prevent other non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including diabetes, hypertension, and various forms of cancer.”he added
He noted that in Tanzania, one in three adults is overweight and 28 percent suffer from high blood pressure. These conditions, he added, contribute to over 40 percent of premature deaths, most of which are preventable through lifestyle adjustments.
Dr Biteko commended NBC Bank for consistently supporting national health priorities through the marathon. In this year’s edition, proceeds are being used to advance the fight against cervical cancer in partnership with the Ocean Road Cancer Institute.
The marathon has also provided scholarships for midwifery education through the Benjamin Mkapa Foundation and has supported training for nurses who care for children with autism in collaboration with AMREF Health Africa.
“Through initiatives like the NBC Dodoma Marathon, the private sector is showing how it can play a pivotal role in addressing public health challenges. It’s not just about running it’s about saving lives,” he said.
Dr Biteko praised the marathon’s rapid growth, with participation rising from 8,000 in 2024 to over 12,000 this year an increase of more than 50 percent.
Likewise, funds raised surged from Sh300 million last year to Sh700 million in 2025, representing a 133 percent rise.
He urged government institutions, the private sector, civil society, and individuals to incorporate exercise into daily routines, calling for at least one designated day each month for joint physical activity in every organization.
“I would be very pleased to hear that every institution sets aside one day a month for group exercise. It’s a small effort that can make a huge difference to our health and productivity as a nation,” Dr Biteko emphasized.
He further applauded the Ministry of Health for rolling out the MTU NI AFYA campaign, which encourages Tanzanians to engage in at least 30 minutes of daily physical activity, maintain healthy diets, undergo regular health checkups, and avoid risky behaviors.
On his part, the Minister for Information, Culture, Arts, and Sports, Prof Palamagamba Kabudi, described the NBC Dodoma Marathon as a model sporting event that has become increasingly attractive to local and international athletes.
He pledged continued government support for the race and said the ministry was committed to expanding sports infrastructure across the country.
“The Ministry is investing in building sports fields in areas such as Arusha, Dodoma, and Dar es Salaam to support youth engagement in sports and health,” he said.
NBC Bank’s Managing Director, Mr Theobald Sabi, highlighted the impact of the marathon over the past five years.
“Since its launch in 2020, the NBC Dodoma Marathon has raised over Sh1 billion, making it one of the most significant private-sector contributions to the health sector in Tanzania,” he said.
According to Mr Sabi, the marathon has helped provide cervical cancer screening to over 200,000 women and facilitated treatment for 4,800 patients diagnosed with the disease at Ocean Road Cancer Institute.
It has also sponsored training for 100 midwives at the Morogoro Midwifery Training School, with a target to reach 500 midwives by 2028.
Furthermore, the marathon has contributed to the construction of a special women’s ward at Muhimbili National Hospital and supported various other health development projects across the country.
This year’s edition, held under the theme “Cut the Risk, Save Lives,” focused on enhancing early screening for cervical cancer among 10,000 women, providing scholarships for 100 new midwives, and initiating a new training program for 100 nurses to support children with autism.
The 2025 NBC Dodoma Marathon distributed a total of Sh80 million in prizes to winners and donated 10 motorcycles to the Dodoma Regional Police, further strengthening community support efforts.
Dr Biteko concluded by reaffirming the government’s commitment to partnering with institutions like NBC in advancing national development goals through strategic public health investments.
“Through partnerships like these, we are not just promoting fitness—we are protecting lives, empowering health workers, and building a healthier nation,” he said.