The Ministry of Health has urged stakeholders in the chemical sector to submit policy and regulatory recommendations aimed at strengthening the control of hazardous chemicals in communities.
The call was issued by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health, Dr. Seif Shekalaghe, during the opening of the National Chemical Stakeholders Forum in Morogoro.
In a speech delivered on his behalf by the Director of Curative Services, Dr. Hamad Nyembeha, Dr. Shekalaghe said input from industry players is essential to improving governance, safety standards and sustainability within the chemical sector.
“The forum brings together key actors in the chemical value chain, from manufacturers and processors to distributors and end users. This provides an important opportunity to jointly develop practical recommendations that will help government strengthen regulation, protect public health and safeguard the environment,” he said.
He noted that the rapid expansion of the chemical industry requires an enabling but strictly regulated framework to ensure chemicals are handled, stored and used safely, while also addressing environmental concerns and national security risks.
Dr. Shekalaghe warned against the misuse of chemicals, stressing the need for tighter controls to prevent their diversion into illicit drug production or use in harmful activities.
He highlighted the critical role of chemicals in national development, citing their importance in healthcare for life-saving treatments, agriculture for fertilizer production, mining for mineral processing, and manufacturing for industrial output.
Government Chief Chemist Dr. Fidelice Mafumiko said the forum serves as a strategic platform for identifying sector challenges, shaping policy direction and advising the government on effective approaches to managing hazardous chemicals.
He emphasized the need for stronger collaboration among regulators, private sector players and other stakeholders to enhance safety, improve compliance and reduce risks to public health, the environment and national security.