Tanzania has stepped up regional efforts to contain Ebola by donating medical supplies worth about TZS 220 million to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where authorities are confronting the risk posed by disease outbreaks.
The assistance, provided on behalf of President Samia Suluhu Hassan, is intended to support frontline health workers and communities affected by Ebola, Health Minister Mohamed Mchengerwa said on Wednesday, August 19, 2026.
Speaking in Dar es Salaam after the conclusion of the fourth meeting of the Regional Steering Committee of Ministers of Health (ReSCO), Mr Mchengerwa said the donation reflected Tanzania’s commitment to collective action against public health emergencies.
He said disease outbreaks do not respect national borders, making cooperation among neighbouring and regional countries critical to protecting communities.
“These supplies will support frontline health workers in the fight against Ebola, as well as members of the public who may be affected by the disease,” Mr Mchengerwa said.
He added that the government was working to ensure the supplies reach the DRC promptly once the necessary procedures for receiving the donation are completed.
Mr Mchengerwa said Tanzania would continue supporting other African countries whenever necessary, arguing that a health crisis in one country could quickly develop into a wider regional challenge.
He also called for stronger implementation of commitments reached during regional and international health meetings, saying resolutions would have limited impact if they were not translated into practical measures.
“Joint action and implementation of agreements are more important in dealing with public health challenges than decisions that remain only in meeting rooms,” he said.
The donation comes as African countries continue strengthening their preparedness and response systems for infectious disease outbreaks, including through improved surveillance, medical supplies and cooperation among health authorities.
The ReSCO meeting was part of preparations for a major international meeting scheduled for September 9–11, 2026, in Arusha, which is expected to bring together heads of state and other stakeholders.
The meeting will provide an opportunity for African countries to assess progress in strengthening health systems and improving collective preparedness for outbreaks.
For Tanzania, the support to the DRC also signals its continued push for a coordinated regional response to health emergencies, with the movement of people and goods across borders making disease prevention a shared responsibility.
