Tanzania has stepped up efforts to strengthen local manufacturing of health products after holding high-level talks with the global health agency Unitaid on the sidelines of the 158th Executive Board Meeting of the World Health Organization (WHO) in Geneva, Switzerland.
The discussions were held between the Chief Medical Officer of the Government of Tanzania, Dr Grace Magembe, and Unitaid’s Programme Director, Mr Robert Matiru, focusing on expanding cooperation to improve the country’s health production capacity and regulatory systems.
Dr Magembe said the government is implementing strategic reforms aimed at improving health services while creating a supportive environment for local and international investors in the production of medicines and medical supplies.
She said Unitaid’s global experience and networks make it a key partner in Tanzania’s drive to develop a competitive health manufacturing sector.
“We have engaged with Unitaid because it works with companies worldwide, connecting them with technical expertise, development banks and affordable financing opportunities,” Dr Magembe said.
“This support is vital for enabling the establishment of quality health-product manufacturing industries that can compete internationally.”he added
She added that the initiatives are being implemented under the leadership of the Minister for Health, Mr Mohamed Mchengerwa, as part of broader government efforts to reduce reliance on imports, improve access to essential medicines and strengthen the country’s health system.
For his part, Mr Matiru said Unitaid will continue working with Tanzania to enhance the capacity of the Tanzania Medicines and Medical Devices Authority (TMDA).
He noted that ongoing support includes efforts to upgrade the authority’s regulatory maturity from Level Three to a higher level, in line with international standards.
Strengthening regulatory systems, he said, is critical for ensuring the safety and quality of health products, while also enabling local manufacturers to access regional and global markets.
The meeting resolved to further deepen cooperation between Tanzania and Unitaid. Unitaid stakeholders pledged to visit Tanzania to engage with government officials and other key players, provide continued technical advice and support implementation of agreed initiatives.
Both sides also agreed to appoint focal persons to improve coordination and fast-track the execution of joint plans, signalling a move from dialogue to action.
The engagement comes as Tanzania positions itself to become a regional hub for health-product manufacturing, aligning with national development priorities and wider African efforts to strengthen health security and industrial growth.