Tanzania is stepping up efforts to transform its health sector by prioritising sustainable financing, stronger health systems and strategic partnerships aimed at ensuring all citizens have access to quality and affordable healthcare services.
The government's commitment was underscored by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health, Dr Seif Shekalaghe, during a Development Partners' Meeting held in Dar es Salaam on June 5, 2026.
The meeting, which brought together development partners and key health stakeholders, focused on accelerating health system transformation through sustainable financing, institutional strengthening and collaborative partnerships.
Opening the meeting, Dr Shekalaghe said the successful implementation of Universal Health Insurance (UHI) remains central to the country's healthcare reform agenda and will play a crucial role in expanding access to healthcare services across the country.
He noted that the ambitious programme will require reliable financing mechanisms, strong governance and regulatory systems, adequate healthcare personnel, improved infrastructure and close collaboration between public and private sector actors.
"The implementation of Universal Health Insurance is among the most significant reforms in our health sector. Its success will depend on sustainable financing, effective management systems and strong partnerships," he said.
As Tanzania seeks to strengthen the resilience of its healthcare system, Dr Shekalaghe also highlighted the strategic importance of expanding local pharmaceutical production.
According to him, increasing domestic manufacturing of medicines will not only enhance the country's health security but also contribute to economic growth, industrial development and job creation.
He said the move aligns with the aspirations of Africa's Agenda 2063, which seeks to promote self-reliance and sustainable development across the continent.
Dr Shekalaghe further revealed that the government is developing a Health Sector Transformation Plan that will guide the next phase of reforms while aligning with the national Vision 2050 framework.
The long-term vision recognises health as a critical pillar for human capital development and sustainable economic growth.
At a time when many developing countries are experiencing a decline in external development assistance, Dr Shekalaghe urged stakeholders to view health spending as an investment that generates social and economic returns rather than merely a recurrent expenditure.
He called for innovative financing approaches, stronger domestic resource mobilisation and greater efficiency in the use of available resources to sustain gains made in the sector.
The Permanent Secretary also commended development partners for their continued support and urged participants to use the forum to identify practical solutions for building a more resilient, equitable and financially sustainable healthcare system.
His remarks come as Tanzania intensifies efforts to achieve universal health coverage and strengthen the capacity of its healthcare system to respond to both current and emerging public health challenges.
