Deputy President Ambassador Dr Emmanuel Nchimbi has called for increased investment in young people, saying they will play a central role in shaping Tanzania’s future health sector through innovation, leadership and research.
Dr Nchimbi said empowering the youth was in line with the vision of former President Benjamin William Mkapa, who believed in building a strong health system supported by skilled and committed professionals.
He made the remarks yesterday while representing President Samia Suluhu Hassan at the Fourth Benjamin Mkapa Legacy Conference and the 20th anniversary celebrations of the Benjamin Mkapa Foundation (BMF) held at the Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre (JNICC) in Dar es Salaam.
The Deputy President said young people are the future leaders, healthcare workers and researchers who will be expected to address emerging challenges facing the health sector.
“Looking at the future of healthcare delivery in Tanzania, there is a need to prioritise young people and create programmes that prepare them to confidently respond to future challenges,” Dr Nchimbi said.
He said the legacy of the late President Mkapa continues to provide important lessons in health sector management, particularly through his recognition that quality healthcare is a key pillar of national development.
During his leadership, Dr Nchimbi noted, the late Mkapa placed strong focus on fighting HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases while promoting stronger health institutions.
He said the sustainability of institutions established during Mkapa’s leadership demonstrates the importance of investing in systems that continue delivering services to citizens beyond individual leadership terms.
Dr Nchimbi emphasised that effective health leadership requires a broader understanding of the links between health and other sectors, including the economy, politics, culture and global health systems.
He commended the Benjamin Mkapa Foundation for its continued contribution to strengthening health leadership and supporting the development of healthcare professionals in the country.
The Deputy President also acknowledged ongoing efforts by the governments of President Samia Suluhu Hassan and Zanzibar President Dr Hussein Ali Mwinyi to improve healthcare services and respond to health challenges, including the Covid-19 pandemic and other diseases.
He said the Sixth Phase Government has continued to invest heavily in science education, particularly in higher learning institutions, as part of efforts to build a skilled workforce capable of supporting national development.
Dr Nchimbi praised the partnership between the Benjamin Mkapa Foundation and the Ministry of Health in establishing a youth platform that provides space for discussions on human resources for health.
He encouraged young professionals to embrace technology-driven solutions such as artificial intelligence, telemedicine, data analysis and other innovations that are transforming the delivery of healthcare services worldwide.
The Deputy President backed calls to transform the Benjamin Mkapa Legacy Conference from a biennial gathering into an annual African platform for policy dialogue, innovation and knowledge exchange on health workforce development.
The event brought together Zanzibar President and Chairman of the Revolutionary Council Dr Hussein Ali Mwinyi, government leaders, development partners, health sector stakeholders and other participants from Tanzania and abroad.
