The government has pledged to strengthen cooperation with international health partners as Henry M. Jackson Foundation (HJF) President and Chief Executive Officer Dr Joseph Caravalho visited Mbeya to advance collaboration in the health sector.
Dr Caravalho, who arrived in Mbeya from the United States, was received on behalf of Mbeya Regional Commissioner Beno Malisa by Mbeya District Commissioner Solomon Itunda.
The visit is expected to provide an opportunity for HJF, the government and health stakeholders in the region to assess areas where continued collaboration can improve healthcare services, particularly programmes targeting HIV and AIDS and other public health challenges.
Speaking during the reception, Mr Itunda said Dr Caravalho’s visit was important in strengthening the partnership between HJF, Mbeya Region and the government.
“His visit provides an important opportunity to further strengthen our cooperation in improving health services and addressing challenges facing our communities,” Mr Itunda said.
He said partnerships between the government and development organisations remained important in complementing public efforts to improve access to quality healthcare.
Mr Itunda said the government under President Samia Suluhu Hassan had continued to provide a conducive environment for local and international institutions to work with the government in supporting development initiatives.
HJF has been involved in supporting health-related initiatives in Tanzania, including programmes aimed at addressing HIV and AIDS and strengthening health systems.
For his part, Dr Caravalho reaffirmed HJF’s commitment to working with the Tanzanian government and Mbeya Region.
He said the foundation would continue supporting programmes that address priority health needs and improve the wellbeing of communities.
Mr Itunda thanked HJF for its continued partnership with the government, saying such collaboration was important in complementing efforts to improve healthcare delivery.
He said the government would continue strengthening partnerships with development stakeholders to ensure that support provided translates into better health outcomes for communities in Mbeya and across Tanzania.
