By Hassan Kimweri,
President of the United Republic of Tanzania, Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, has emphasized the need to strengthen global health systems in response to challenges driven by climate change, shifting global priorities, and evolving geopolitical and economic dynamics.
President Samia made the remarks on April 16, 2026, when opening the Second International Conference of the World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies, held at the Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre (JNICC) in Dar es Salaam.
She said Tanzania is committed to building a sustainable and resilient health sector through deliberate reforms and increased investment in healthcare systems.
“The Government of Tanzania continues to take deliberate measures to ensure the health sector becomes sustainable and strong. We need our country to strengthen domestic resource mobilization as well as adopt innovative financing mechanisms for health services,” said President Samia.
She further noted that Tanzania is advancing its efforts to achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC), ensuring that all citizens have access to quality health services. She added that the government is also prioritizing investments in specialized and advanced medical care, including neurosurgery.
The President explained that human resource development remains a key priority, with the government increasing investment in specialized training, scholarships, and international cooperation to expand the number of neurosurgeons and other highly skilled medical professionals.
“We are also increasing investment in human resource development through specialized training, scholarships, and international cooperation to grow the number of neurosurgeons and other specialized professionals,” she said.
Dr. Samia also highlighted ongoing improvements in health infrastructure and technology, including the construction and upgrading of referral hospitals equipped with modern diagnostic facilities for neurological conditions. She added that Tanzania is expanding telemedicine services to improve access to specialized care, especially for patients in remote and rural areas.
She noted that telemedicine equipment has already been deployed in all high-level referral hospitals and regional hospitals, a step that has significantly improved access to specialist consultations.
On pharmaceutical supply systems, the President said the government continues to strengthen procurement and distribution mechanisms through the Medical Stores Department (MSD) to reduce costs and improve efficiency in the supply of medicines and medical equipment.
Concluding her remarks, President Samia reaffirmed Tanzania’s commitment to working with international partners to strengthen neurosurgical services and health systems across Africa and the world.
She then officially opened the Second International Neurosurgery Conference of the World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies.
