Kigoma Region has stepped up measures to strengthen preparedness against Ebola and other infectious disease outbreaks, with authorities enhancing surveillance, training health workers and expanding public awareness programmes across the border region.
Kigoma Regional Medical Officer Dr Damas Kayera said the region activated its preparedness plan soon after reports of an Ebola threat emerged in a neighbouring country, citing Kigoma's strategic position as one of Tanzania's key border regions.
Speaking on Tuesday during a Ministry of Health capacity-building programme for religious leaders, traditional leaders, journalists and community influencers, Dr Kayera said frontline health workers have undergone specialised training to improve their readiness to detect and respond to suspected cases.
"As a border region, Kigoma moved quickly to strengthen its preparedness after receiving reports of an Ebola threat in a neighbouring country. Health personnel at all levels from dispensaries and health centres to hospitals have been trained on surveillance, prevention and response," he said.
He added that regional authorities have strengthened coordination with government agencies, including the Immigration Department, to reinforce health screening and disease surveillance at official border entry and exit points.
According to Dr Kayera, healthcare workers stationed at border crossings have been equipped with screening tools to assess incoming travellers.
Anyone found with symptoms consistent with Ebola or other infectious diseases is managed in line with national public health protocols.
The region has also invested in strengthening the capacity of its health workforce. Kigoma Regional Public Health Education Coordinator Abedi Michael said more than 300 healthcare professionals from health facilities across the region have received training on preventing, detecting and responding to infectious disease outbreaks.
In addition, over 280 community health workers have been trained to support disease surveillance and public health education at the grassroots level.
Mr Michael said authorities have also distributed posters and information leaflets to raise public awareness about Ebola, its symptoms and preventive measures, as part of ongoing efforts to improve community preparedness and reduce the risk of disease transmission.
The Ministry of Health has been conducting similar preparedness programmes in regions considered at higher risk because of their proximity to international borders, with the aim of strengthening early detection and rapid response to potential outbreaks.
