The Government of Tanzania, in collaboration with the Korean Foundation for International Healthcare (Korean Foundation for International Healthcare (KOFIH)), is strengthening the National Public Health Laboratory (NPHL) system to improve the country’s capacity to prevent and control infectious diseases.
The five-year project, which runs from 2023 to 2027, is aimed at building stronger laboratory systems, improving disease surveillance, and ensuring faster and more accurate diagnosis of infectious diseases across Tanzania.
Speaking in Dar es Salaam on May 7, 2026, during a project management meeting on capacity building for laboratory staff, Dr. Medard Beyanga, who represented the Director of Diagnostics and Medical Equipment at the Ministry of Health, said the initiative is already producing meaningful results in strengthening public health preparedness.
He said the project focuses on equipping laboratory professionals with advanced skills in the detection, monitoring, and analysis of infectious diseases such as dengue fever, chikungunya, cholera, and respiratory infections.
Dr. Beyanga added that the initiative has also improved the country’s capacity to conduct genetic analysis of disease-causing pathogens, a key step in strengthening early detection and response systems.
He noted that experts involved in the programme used the meeting to review progress achieved over the past three years and to discuss operational challenges in managing infectious disease threats in the country.
According to him, strengthening laboratory systems is essential in ensuring that Tanzania can respond quickly and effectively to disease outbreaks while providing reliable and timely diagnostic results.
He further emphasized that the initiative aligns with the government’s broader efforts to improve the health sector, particularly in addressing emerging and recurring global health threats.
On his part, KOFIH representative Dr. Hansol Park said the project is designed to enhance disease surveillance and laboratory diagnostics, particularly for infectious diseases such as cholera, dengue, and emerging respiratory illnesses.
He stressed the importance of coordination, accountability, and adherence to project guidelines, noting that proper planning and collaboration among stakeholders are key to achieving sustainable results.
“There is a need for all partners to follow implementation guidelines and ensure timely submission of proposals for future activities. Strong cooperation and accountability remain the foundation of this project’s success,” Dr. Park said.
