Tanzania has strengthened its efforts to eliminate HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis (TB) by increasing investment in medicines, medical supplies, local pharmaceutical production and healthcare systems, the government has said.
Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health responsible for Medicines and Medical Supplies, Mr Emmanuel Tayari, said the investments have improved access to treatment and contributed to a decline in HIV infections, TB cases and deaths linked to the two diseases.
Mr Tayari made the remarks in Dodoma on July 31, 2026, while closing a national meeting that brought together key health officials to assess progress in improving HIV, TB and integrated healthcare services.
The meeting was attended by Regional Medical Officers, laboratory coordinators, pharmacists and HIV programme coordinators from across the country.
He said the government, under President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s leadership, has prioritised strengthening the health sector through strategic investments aimed at improving the quality of services and protecting citizens’ lives.
“A country that imports all medicines from outside cannot fully control its own health system; it is borrowing,” Mr Tayari said, emphasising the importance of building Tanzania’s capacity to produce essential medicines locally.
He said the government has allocated TZS 180 billion for the procurement of medicines, medical equipment and laboratory supplies, while another TZS 250 billion has been set aside for health commodities.
Mr Tayari added that Tanzania is also investing in domestic pharmaceutical manufacturing, including production of antiretroviral medicines used in the treatment of HIV.
He said the country has recorded progress in the fight against HIV/AIDS, with new infections declining, more people accessing antiretroviral therapy and a reduction in AIDS-related deaths.
The Deputy Permanent Secretary also said TB infections have continued to decline, while treatment success rates have improved due to stronger prevention, diagnosis and treatment programmes.
He attributed the progress to joint efforts by the government, healthcare workers and development partners in expanding access to quality health services.
Mr Tayari said continued investment has given health leaders better tools to improve service delivery, including reliable medicine supplies, medical equipment, digital health systems and accurate health data to support decision-making.
He, however, said achieving further improvements requires more than policies and financial resources, noting that effective leadership and timely decisions at local levels are critical.
He urged health officials to use their authority responsibly by addressing challenges facing healthcare delivery without waiting for directives from higher levels.
“Better health outcomes depend on leaders who can make timely and appropriate decisions that respond to the needs of citizens,” he said.
