Tanzania is strengthening its epidemiological workforce to improve the prevention and control of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), amid growing concern over illnesses that now account for nearly four in every 10 deaths nationwide.
Speaking during the graduation of the first cohort of 20 participants in the SPARK–NCD Short Course in Epidemiology on Friday, Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health responsible for Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices, Emmanuel Tayari, said investing in epidemiologists is critical to building a stronger, evidence-driven healthcare system.
Representing the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health, Dr Grace Magembe, Mr Tayari said the graduates had acquired skills to analyse health data and translate scientific evidence into policy and clinical decision-making, strengthening the country's ability to detect disease trends early and respond effectively.
The move comes as non-communicable diseases continue to pose a major public health challenge. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), NCDs account for about 39 percent of all deaths in Tanzania, with cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes and chronic respiratory diseases remaining the leading causes.
Mr Tayari said the government has prioritised investment in health infrastructure, medical equipment, specialised services, local production of health commodities and workforce development to improve access to quality healthcare.
He added that the Ministry of Health is also advancing the implementation of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) through expanded primary healthcare services, digital health systems and stronger prevention programmes targeting non-communicable diseases.
Mr Tayari emphasised that effective disease surveillance requires strong partnerships, citing ongoing collaboration between Tanzania and institutions including Africa CDC, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS), AFENET, the World Health Organization and other partners to strengthen epidemiological capacity and preparedness for cross-border health threats.
He urged the graduates to maintain high standards in the collection, analysis and interpretation of health data, noting that reliable evidence is essential for sound public health decisions.
"Accurate data save lives because they guide effective policies and interventions, while poor-quality data can lead to decisions with serious consequences for communities," he said.
