Tanzania’s Vice President, Dr Philip Mpango, has called on Regional and Council Chief Medical Officers to intensify efforts in promoting public health awareness and strengthening preventive measures against communicable and non-communicable diseases.
Speaking at the annual meeting of Chief Medical Officers in Dodoma, Dr Mpango stressed the critical role of health education in encouraging proper hygiene practices.
He urged officials to prioritise the construction and use of hygienic latrines, consistent handwashing with soap and running water, safe disposal of waste at household and public levels, and ensuring drinking water is treated either by boiling or according to expert advice.
Dr Mpango also emphasised the need to protect medical equipment, including advanced diagnostic machines and government-provided ambulances, to maximise their service lifespan and benefit to communities.
Highlighting challenges in medical supplies management, he urged improved record-keeping for medicines and equipment to prevent shortages, theft, and misuse.
“Inaccurate records disrupt medicine supply chains and create opportunities for corruption,” he warned.
The Vice President called on health officials to lead public education campaigns on the responsible use of medicines, cautioning against the dangers of misuse particularly of painkillers and antibiotics, which can have serious health consequences if used improperly.
He further demanded strict adherence to ethical standards by health workers to ensure quality healthcare delivery.
Dr Mpango directed local government authorities to enhance revenue collection and ensure transparent utilisation of funds to improve service delivery, especially as the government advances the Universal Health Insurance initiative.
On human resources, Dr Mpango highlighted government efforts to strengthen the health workforce, citing the recruitment of 25,936 new health workers across primary healthcare cadres.
This move addresses staff shortages and improves patient care ratios. He pledged continued prioritisation of strategic health professionals to sustain quality healthcare services.
In remarks at the event, Minister of State for Regional Administration and Local Government, Mohamed Mchengerwa, detailed the government’s investment in health infrastructure.
He noted that local authorities have completed 7,414 health facilities, including renovations and new constructions under the Sixth Phase of development.
Since President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s administration began four years ago, 48 hospitals have been refurbished, 87 emergency service buildings constructed, 30 inpatient wards upgraded, and 21 air-conditioning systems installed.
Minister Mchengerwa added that more than 900,000 women facing childbirth complications have undergone safe surgery at improved and newly built health centres during this period.
Health Minister Jenista Mhagama underscored the government’s commitment to the sector, announcing an increased health budget of TZS 2.6 trillion for the 2025/2026 fiscal year.
Over the past four years, the ministry’s budget has reached TZS 7.15 trillion, driving significant health service reforms nationwide. Plans are underway to launch a dedicated health information channel, “Afya TV,” to disseminate public health information.
Minister Mhagama also highlighted the country’s achievements in disease control, including the swift eradication of Marburg virus within 54 days, enhanced international health diplomacy, reductions in maternal and child mortality, decreased emergency-related deaths, and growth in medical tourism.
Looking ahead, she outlined Tanzania’s ambitions to become a centre of excellence for liver transplants, urology, male reproductive health, neurosurgery, blood and bone marrow transplants, kidney treatments, and the application of nuclear technology in cancer treatment.
Opening the meeting, Regional Chief Medical Officers’ Chairman, Dr Best Magoma, praised government efforts in improving primary healthcare but appealed for increased staff housing to enhance emergency response, particularly during night hours.
The three-day conference is held under the theme: “The Role of Regional and Council Chief Medical Officers in Enhancing Quality Health Services Towards Universal Health Insurance.”