The Government of Tanzania has stepped up efforts to strengthen the health sector through the expansion of Universal Health Insurance (UHI), aiming to ensure that every citizen can access quality and affordable healthcare services without financial hardship.
According to the Ministry of Health, the ongoing reforms are part of a long-term strategy to build an inclusive and resilient health system that guarantees dignity and equal access to medical services for all Tanzanians.
The 2026 National Health and Immunization Week will be held under the theme highlighting Universal Health Insurance as a foundation for quality healthcare for every citizen.
Over the past few years, the government has significantly expanded health infrastructure across the country.
The number of health facilities has increased from 10,153 in 2021 to 13,683 in 2025, improving service delivery in both rural and urban areas.
As a result, between 75 percent and 85 percent of citizens can now access healthcare services within a five-kilometre radius, with the national target set to reach 95 percent coverage by 2030.
The Ministry says these improvements are part of a wider effort to bring services closer to the people and reduce long travel distances that previously limited access to medical care, especially in remote areas.
In addition, Tanzania has made progress in improving the quality of healthcare services through investments in modern medical equipment and capacity building for health professionals.
These efforts have enhanced treatment standards and reduced the number of patients referred abroad, positioning the country as an emerging destination for medical tourism in the region.
Access to essential medicines has also improved, with availability now reaching 86 percent nationwide.
This progress has been supported by strengthened supply systems and government efforts to boost local pharmaceutical production, ensuring more reliable access to medicines in health facilities.
The government has further expanded its community health workforce, with more than 9,000 trained community health workers currently serving across the country.
These workers play a key role in providing basic health services, health education, and early disease detection at the community level.
Plans are underway to increase their numbers to further strengthen primary healthcare delivery.
In the area of public health, Tanzania continues to record strong performance in immunization coverage, reaching over 90 percent of targeted populations annually.
The government invests more than 142 billion shillings each year to support vaccine procurement and distribution, ensuring protection against preventable diseases.
Significant progress has also been recorded in maternal and child health, with a steady decline in maternal and under-five mortality rates. This improvement reflects better access to skilled health services and strengthened healthcare interventions across the country.
Health authorities are also encouraging citizens to take an active role in protecting their well-being by adopting healthier lifestyles, including good hygiene practices, balanced diets, and regular physical exercise. These efforts aim to reduce both communicable and non-communicable diseases.
Overall, the Ministry of Health says the ongoing reforms reflect the government’s commitment to building a health system that is accessible, reliable, and responsive to the needs of all citizens, ensuring no one is left behind in accessing essential healthcare services.
