The Government of Tanzania, through the Ministry of Health in collaboration with the Prime Minister’s Office – Regional Administration and Local Government (PMO-RALG) and the World Health Organization (WHO), has intensified national efforts to strengthen preparedness against epidemic-prone diseases, including Ebola, through specialized training for laboratory experts.
The training has brought together laboratory professionals from Katavi Region, Songwe Region, Kigoma Region, and Rukwa Region, with a focus on improving early disease detection, safe handling of samples, and faster response to outbreaks.
The initiative is part of broader efforts to strengthen Tanzania’s health systems and protect citizens from dangerous infectious diseases.
Opening the five-day training in Katavi on June 29, 2026, Katavi Regional Medical Officer, Dr. Jonathan Budenu, called on laboratory experts to fully apply the knowledge and skills gained to protect the lives of citizens and ensure early identification of disease threats before they spread.
Dr. Budenu warned that Ebola continues to pose a risk due to ongoing outbreaks in neighbouring countries such as the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda.
He said border regions like Katavi require strong vigilance, timely reporting, and continuous public awareness to prevent the disease from entering the country.
He emphasized that laboratory professionals play a key role in protecting citizens by ensuring proper collection, testing, and safe transportation of samples from suspected cases.
He stressed that strict adherence to safety procedures is essential to prevent infections and guarantee accurate test results that guide public health decisions.
Dr. Budenu also urged participants to share the knowledge gained with colleagues in their workplaces to ensure that all regions benefit from improved skills and capacity.
He noted that collaboration between health workers and communities is vital in preventing and controlling diseases such as Ebola, cholera, Mpox, and Marburg.
He further commended the Ministry of Health and development partners, especially WHO, for their continued support in strengthening Tanzania’s preparedness systems.
He said such training reflects the government’s commitment to safeguarding citizens’ health and preventing future outbreaks.
Speaking during the training, the National Public Health Laboratory Manager, Dr. Salum Nyanga, urged laboratory experts to strictly follow national guidelines issued by the Ministry of Health.
He emphasized that adherence to standard procedures ensures safety, quality, and reliability in laboratory services across the country.
Dr. Nyanga added that a strong laboratory system is essential for early detection of outbreaks and timely response, which ultimately protects communities from the spread of infectious diseases. He called for continuous learning and professionalism among health workers to maintain high standards in public health services.
The training is expected to further strengthen Tanzania’s capacity to detect and respond to epidemic threats at an early stage, particularly in border regions that face higher risks of disease transmission, thereby ensuring better protection of citizens nationwide.
