The Mafinga Town Council has adopted nine measures to strengthen its preparedness for possible health emergencies linked to El Niño rains and disease outbreaks, including Ebola.
The resolutions are intended to improve the ability of health workers and facilities to detect suspected cases, report emergencies and respond promptly when public health threats emerge.
The move comes as Tanzania prepares for the anticipated El Niño rainfall season, which could bring flooding and other conditions that may increase pressure on health services.
Speaking on September 26, 2026, during a preparedness assessment on Ebola and the expected El Niño rains, Mafinga Town Council Medical Officer, Dr Bonaventura Chitopela, said the resolutions would help strengthen the council's emergency response capacity.
“We will take these resolutions forward and implement them to further strengthen the council's preparedness to respond to emergencies,” Dr Chitopela said.
He said health facilities and workers needed to remain ready to identify potential health threats, share information quickly and take appropriate action before situations escalated.
Prime Minister's Office–PO-RALG coordinator Chipole Mpelemba said preparedness should be continuous and guided by clear procedures covering the period before, during and after an emergency.
“Preparedness is important because it enables us to control the effects of disasters and disease outbreaks more effectively,” he said.
The preparedness exercise is part of wider government efforts involving the Ministry of Health, Prime Minister's Office–PO-RALG and other stakeholders to strengthen the capacity of health facilities to handle public health emergencies.
The measures are also aimed at ensuring that local health authorities are better positioned to deal with emergencies that could arise from heavy rains, flooding and infectious disease outbreaks.
For Mafinga, officials say early preparation will be key to ensuring that health services remain operational and communities receive timely information and assistance should an emergency occur.