By The Respondents Reporter
By The Respondents ReporterTanzania and the United States have moved closer to signing a new health cooperation agreement that is expected to strengthen healthcare services, workforce development and the country’s health systems.
The discussions took place on June 2, 2026, when Health Minister Mohamed Mchengerwa met the Acting United States Ambassador to Tanzania, Andrew Lentz, in Dodoma to continue negotiations on a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two countries.
The meeting followed earlier talks held on May 14 and reflects the two nations’ commitment to deepening cooperation in the health sector amid growing efforts to improve health security and expand access to quality healthcare.
According to the Ministry of Health, the proposed agreement will provide a framework for collaboration in several strategic areas, including medical services, training and capacity building for healthcare professionals, and strengthening health systems to respond effectively to current and emerging public health challenges.
Speaking during the meeting, the two sides emphasized the importance of maintaining strong bilateral cooperation in health, a sector that has long been one of the pillars of the Tanzania–US partnership.
The United States has been among Tanzania’s key development partners in the health sector, supporting programmes aimed at combating infectious diseases, improving maternal and child health services, enhancing laboratory capacity and strengthening healthcare infrastructure.
Officials said the new agreement seeks to build on those achievements while aligning future cooperation with Tanzania’s evolving healthcare priorities.
The Tanzanian delegation was led by Mr Mchengerwa and included Permanent Secretary Dr Seif Shekalaghe, Deputy Permanent Secretary responsible for Pharmaceuticals and Medical Equipment Emmanuel Tayari, and Chief Medical Officer Dr Grace Magembe.
The US delegation was led by Mr Lentz and included senior officials from the US Embassy in Tanzania.
The continued negotiations signal a shared determination by both governments to strengthen health security, improve service delivery and support the development of a resilient healthcare system capable of meeting the needs of Tanzania’s growing population.
Once finalized, the new MoU is expected to guide future cooperation between the two countries and unlock additional opportunities for technical assistance, skills transfer and institutional development in the health sector.
