Through smart public-private partnerships, the Tanzanian government, led by President Samia Suluhu Hassan, plans to speed up efforts for improving emergency healthcare services.

Through this program, citizens’ needs will be promptly met and emergency services will be made available with high quality.

Speaking on behalf of Regional Commissioner Albert Chalamila, Dar es Salaam Regional Chief Medical Officer Dr. Mohamed Manguna pointed out the government’s commitment to strengthening emergency healthcare systems during the formal closing of the first phase of the Improving Emergency Care in Tanzania (IMECT) project.

According to him, the 1.8 billion dollar IMECT project is a prime example of a cooperation that has brought together the Tanzanian government, foreign partners and local people to improve emergency medical services throughout the nation.

Dr. Manguna acknowledged Aga Khan Health Services Tanzania (AKHST) and the Polish government for their crucial contributions to the project’s execution.

Through the Polish International Assistance Centre (PCPM), Poland has provided US dollars 760, 000 (1.8 billion) to Tanzania’s emergency healthcare infrastructure during the last two and a half years.

He praised the partnership as an important step in filling in the deficiencies in the nation’s healthcare system, such as a lack of facilities, qualified staff and resources.

Dr. Manguna acknowledged the improvements but pointed out that there are still obstacles to overcome before all medical institutions have the infrastructure, employees and resources needed to deliver quality emergency care.

He commended Aga Khan Health Services for their contribution in advancing the public-private partnership model and for their leadership in backing government initiatives to fortify healthcare systems.

A digital revolution has transformed health-care service delivery in Nakuru County, bringing in a new era of efficiency and openness.

Ms Roselyn Mungai, County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Health Services, highlighted that the divided unit’s administration has implemented cutting-edge digital technologies in all health-care operations in order to leverage technology for better governance.

“From electronic health records to automated appointment scheduling, the county administration is successfully implementing digitised health systems that simplify patient care, record keeping on patients and availability of drug stocks and overall health care management,” highlighted by the county’s CECM.

Ms Mungai, who received computers, accessories and cabling from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Tujenge Jamii programme to support the ongoing digitisation of health service delivery in Nakuru, stated that paperless technology has not only increased medical practitioners efficiency but has also significantly improved patient experience.

“This contribution will enhance Governor Susan Kihika’s administration and commitment to enhance efficiency, improve data management and streamline service delivery across beneficiary health care facilities,” the CECM stated.

The CECM stated that real-time data access enables health professionals to make informed decisions quickly, resulting in more efficient health care delivery in all public hospitals.

She also stated that Nakuru County has started moving to an electronic Community Health Information System (eCHIS) to support community health promoters’ (CHPs) activities.

She claimed that over 2,000 CHPs will use the devices to help with household registration, patient screening, treatment and referrals, as well as to advocate for primary health practices.

The Electronic Community Health Information System (eCHIS) is a national project started by the Ministry of Health a year ago. It consists of a SmartHealth Mobile Phone application developed on Medic’s Community Health Toolkit platform.

The USAID Country Health Information Systems and Data Use (CHISU) program contributes to Kenya’s digital health transformation by enhancing and strengthening the technology, software and information systems used by the Ministry of Health and all health-care workers to provide more affordable, high-quality services.

This includes teaching healthcare personnel how to gather, analyse, and apply data using standardised, unified systems, allowing them to make data-driven decisions about enhancing patient care.

Ms Mungai realised that the analogue system was costly for the county government, making data susceptible and data might easily be destroyed. According to the official, the digitised method makes data submission simple, traceable and reliable.

With technology, patients at the grassroots level can connect virtually with healthcare providers, avoiding the costs and inconveniences associated with travel while also ensuring that accurate records are retained.

In order to improve speed of response, the county government uses the data gathered by the “Medical Social Work Service Register” system to create policies and take action, such as sending out alerts about illness outbreaks.

The CECM claims that the e-register helps doctors and healthcare administrators to conveniently handle medication, medical billing and appointment scheduling. It also supports the Kenya Health Information System (KHIS) register at the national and county levels. It also provides improved rules for insurance and healthcare programs.

Additionally, the Medical Social Work Service Register is an online database that provides sub-county-level statistics on disease burden by region and type. Similarly, there are medical magazine publications that are specialised and contain a wealth of information about different disease loads.

Technology is important for Kenya’s efforts to get universal health care, according to Ms. Mungai.

She stated that “one of the major milestones that will push Kenya and Africa firmly into the future will be technology.”

Residents were assured by Ms. Mungai that the digital health system was created to ensure the privacy and security of their data.

“The primary priority is privacy and we always make sure to follow the regulations set forth by the government, specifically the Data Protection Act. The patient is the main focus and grants permission to anybody who has access to their digital files.” The CECM stated.

Kenya and the International Vaccine Institute (IVI) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at Afya House, marking a significant step towards increasing vaccine production capacities. The cooperation intends to support the country’s attempts to achieve vaccine self-sufficiency while also addressing broader public health issues in Africa.

During the ceremony, Cabinet Secretary for Health Dr. Deborah M. Barasa emphasised the importance of this collaboration in realising Africa CDC’s objective of producing 60% of the continent’s vaccines locally by 2040. “This MoU symbolises our shared commitment to building a robust vaccine ecosystem that ensures equitable access for all while enhancing health security in Kenya and beyond,” says Dr Barasa.

Kenya has been chosen to host the IVI Country Office and the Advancing Vaccine End-to-End Capabilities (AVEC) Project Office, a significant step forward in the country’s leadership in health innovation and vaccine production throughout the continent.

IVI Director General Dr. Jerome Kim praised Kenya’s proactive approach, stating that “this partnership represents a bold step forward in advancing global health security through innovative and sustainable vaccine solutions.”

The partnership also builds on Kenya’s vaccine research accomplishments, with institutions such as the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) and the Kenya BioVax Institute playing significant roles in clinical trials, disease surveillance and workforce development.

The meeting was attended by the Ministry of Health’s Principal Secretary for Medical Services, Mr. Harry Kimtai; Director General for Health, Dr. Patrick Amoth; Kenya BioVax CEO, Dr. Michael Lusiola and KEMRI Ag DG, Prof. Elijah Songok. This alliance is projected to strengthen Kenya’s Universal Health Coverage (UHC) strategy by improving vaccination access, encouraging innovation and ensuring resilience in the face of future health emergencies.

Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. received medical equipment worth K.sh 40 million from ENI Kenya, the country’s biggest biofuels value chain investor.

Enrico Tavolini, ENI Kenya’s Managing Director, handed over the equipment, which includes a centrifuge and a fridge to support blood unit preservation at the Referral Hospital, neonatal equipment for the Mother and Child Hospital in Wote and nutritional supplements for pregnant women and babies.

Furthermore, ENI has outfitted the maternity wing at Kambi-Mawe Dispensary and is building an ablution block and a bio digester to improve sanitary services at the institution.

During the transfer ceremony, Governor Mutula praised the initiative, stating that it will significantly improve healthcare services at the two facilities.

The agreement is expected to improve healthcare delivery and fit with Governor Mutula’s goal of offering high-quality, easily accessible medical services.

The Kenyan government has announced a significant milestone in healthcare access with the enrollment of nearly 9,000 healthcare facilities under the new Social Health Assurance (SHA) initiative. Government spokesperson Isaac Mwaura confirmed the extensive inclusion of 4,760 public and government facilities, 2,498 private institutions, 1,442 faith-based organizations, 17 community facilities, and 86 other healthcare providers across the country. This move reflects the government’s ongoing efforts to enhance healthcare accessibility as Kenya transitions from the former National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) model.

Mwaura described the SHA initiative as an inclusive approach aimed at establishing an equitable and resilient healthcare system accessible to all Kenyans. “This extensive enrolment signifies the collective commitment of Kenyan citizens toward an equitable, accessible and resilient healthcare system,” he stated. This initiative is part of the government’s broader objective to ensure universal health coverage and ease the financial burden of medical expenses for Kenyans.

In addition to expanding general healthcare access, the government has also contracted 55 cancer care providers and 184 renal care providers to enhance specialized treatment options for cancer and dialysis patients. These services will be available across various regions, aiming to improve the quality of life for those affected by these chronic conditions. This development is a critical step in addressing the growing demand for specialized healthcare, particularly for diseases like cancer and kidney disease, which are on the rise in Kenya.

Health Principal Secretary Harry Kimtai also confirmed that the government has already disbursed KSh4.5 billion for the SHA fund, with an additional similar amount expected to be released soon. The funds are intended to support the operational costs of enrolled facilities and ensure patients receive quality care without financial barriers.

However, amid these positive developments, concerns have arisen about some facilities requesting upfront payments from patients. Kimtai cautioned facilities enrolled under SHA to refrain from such practices, emphasizing that patients under SHA should receive care without initial financial demands. This directive is part of the government’s commitment to a smooth and patient-friendly experience under SHA, helping reduce instances where financial constraints prevent access to timely healthcare.

Through these initiatives, the Kenyan government aims to establish a robust, inclusive healthcare system, enhancing accessibility and ensuring that essential healthcare services are within reach for all citizens.

In October, Kenya’s Principal Secretary for Medical Services, Mr. Harry Kimtai, hosted a delegation from the Gyeonggi Provincial Government of South Korea, led by Baringo Governor H.E. Benjamin Cheboi. The meeting marked a significant step in advancing Kenya’s healthcare objectives through international partnerships, with a particular focus on strengthening Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

Discussions during the meeting centered on Kenya’s potential adoption of South Korea’s Electronic Health Records (EHR) System. This technology aims to streamline patient data management and improve service delivery across Kenya’s healthcare facilities, particularly benefiting remote regions. The system’s adoption would support Kenya’s efforts to achieve UHC by enhancing efficiency, reducing administrative bottlenecks and improving the quality of care available to patients.

The collaboration also extends to the exchange of medical expertise, as both countries plan to facilitate the sharing of knowledge and skills among healthcare professionals. This includes onsite training and research exchanges focused on tackling prevalent health issues such as infectious diseases and non-communicable conditions like cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. By enhancing professional knowledge through shared research and training, both Kenya and South Korea aim to improve preventive healthcare and clinical outcomes.

Additionally, the partnership involves organizing medical volunteer initiatives and supplying essential medical resources to underserved areas in Baringo County. These efforts aim to bolster healthcare access in rural regions, where resource shortages often limit the availability of quality healthcare.

This collaboration highlights Kenya’s commitment to improving healthcare through international partnerships, with Principal Secretary Kimtai expressing optimism about the long-term benefits for Kenya’s healthcare sector. Governor Cheboi also emphasized that these partnerships are essential for building resilient healthcare systems that meet the needs of all citizens.

On its second stop of Mission Harmony 2024, the Chinese naval medical ship Peace Ark arrived at the port of Das es Salaam, Tanzania. It offered free medical care to locals on its seven-day charitable visit.

When the medical vessel Peace Ark pulled at the port of Dar es Salaam, the Tanzanian side welcomed it with a lavish, customary ceremony. Tanzanian military and political figures, including Major General Amri Mwami, the TPDF’s Chief of Medical Services, Chen Mingjian, China’s ambassador to Tanzania, locals, Chinese expatriates, and representatives of Chinese-funded organizations, attended the ceremony.

Tanzania is being visited by the Peace Ark for the third time. On its primary platform, the Peace Ark will provide diagnostic and treatment services during this visit. In the meanwhile, over ten medical teams will be sent on medical visits to nearby hospitals, towns, and educational institutions. Medical personnel from both sides will collaborate on health services, academic exchanges, and diagnosis and treatment. The commander of Mission Harmony-2024 will also tour Tanzanian naval stations and medical facilities in addition to meeting with political and military representatives of Tanzania.

In 2010 and 2017, the Chinese medical vessel Peace Ark made two prior trips to Tanzania, when it rendered medical assistance. The 60th anniversary of Tanzania and China’s diplomatic ties’ founding falls this year. The ship visit will strengthen the two countries’ long-standing relationship and expand their bilateral communication and collaboration.

This summer, Rice University President Reginald DesRoches traveled to Africa with co-director Maria Oden of the Rice360 Institute for Global Health Technologies and supporters of Rice360 to commemorate important turning points in the effort to eradicate avoidable neonatal deaths in the sub-Saharan area. This tour represented Rice’s ongoing participation in the Newborn Essential Solutions and Technologies (NEST360) international partnership, of which it is one of 22 organizations.

The crew first visited Malawi, where hospitals in all 28 districts had adopted the NEST360 bundle. From there, they proceeded to Tanzania. Mwananyamala Hospital, one of seven primary care, Level 2 hospitals designated as a NEST360-implementing site during Phase 1 of the program in Tanzania, was the first stop on the itinerary.

Next, the party drove to Ubungo Hospital, a prospective NEST360-implementing site, where DesRoches, Tanzanian Ministry of Health personnel and key local and international partners participated in a ceremonial gathering marking the opening of Phase 2.

DesRoches remarked, “It is truly my distinct honor to be here today to celebrate the launch of NEST360 Phase 2 and the commitment to increased newborn survival in sub-Saharan Africa.” NEST360 has shown that it is willing to collaborate with regional governments. “You need to work together and form partnerships in order to solve the most important problems facing the planet. Developing technology in the lab is one thing, but problems won’t be sufficiently resolved if you don’t have collaborations that comprehend societal, cultural, and economic challenges.”

In order to improve quality and learning among the nation’s partners in newborn and maternal health care, NEST360’s Phase 2 goals include delivering and maintaining life-saving innovations, giving health workers practical education, and using data for action. In keeping with its efforts to lower the number of neonatal deaths, the Tanzanian government announced during the Phase 2 launch that it would spend an extra $7.1 million to upgrade the facilities of newborn wards in 25 hospitals spread across four mainland regions and three hospitals in Zanzibar. According to Dr. Felix Bundala, assistant director of newborn, child, and adolescent health at Tanzania’s Ministry of Health, the country “plans to spend over $50 million on infrastructure, equipment, and capacity building for newborn care” over the course of the following three years.

Tanzania has substantially lowered maternal and infant mortality rates in recent years thanks to concentrated efforts to upgrade its healthcare system. Dr. Grace Magembe, deputy secretary general of Tanzania’s Ministry of Health, gave a statement at the launch citing two notable examples of successful government initiatives advancing strategic national interests and global sustainability goals: an 80% decrease in maternal deaths and a 36% decline in mortality for children under five.

The largest public hospital in Tanzania, Muhimbili National Hospital, three regional referral hospitals, including Mwananyamala, and numerous facilities in rural areas implemented a package of evidence-based, locally relevant interventions for small and sick newborn care in Phase 1. This package was developed by NEST360 and the Ministry of Health.

The Muhimbili neonatal care units had less congestion thanks to these extra NEST360-implementing sites. In this hospital, it was usual to discover one baby cot with six or seven babies before NEST360 was implemented; however, as of right now, “one baby cot is for one baby,” according to Magembe.

Present at the ceremony were representatives of major NEST360 partners in Tanzania, including as Rice360, Dar es Salaam Institute of Technology (DIT), Ifakara Health Institute, and MUHAS, in addition to leaders from Rice and Tanzanian government authorities.

Tanzania’s health sector has improved significantly during the last three years, a period of exceptional advancement under President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s direction.

Remarkable data and revolutionary policies that have improved healthcare infrastructure, quality, and access nationwide serve as proof of the improvements.

The Ministry of Health claims that increased financing for health projects, better maternity and child healthcare services, and expanded immunization programs are directly responsible for this accomplishment.

These topics have been given priority by President Samia’s government because they are vital to the general well-being and advancement of the country.

President Samia’s 10 accomplishments have greatly enhanced the nation’s health system, according to Health Minister Ummy Mwalimu, who presented the Ministry of Health’s revenue and expenditure estimates for the 2024–2025 fiscal year.

The growth and enhancement of health infrastructure, where the number of establishments providing health services has climbed from 8,549 in 2021 to 9,693 this year—a rise of 1,144 facilities—was one of Minister Ummy’s highlighted accomplishments.

The minister reported that when it comes to the state of modern medical equipment, there has been a surge in diagnostic and disease detection tools, such as CT scanners, which have increased from 12 to 45, MRI machines from 7 to 13, ultrasound machines from 476 to 668, echocardiograms from 95 to 102, cath labs from 1 to 4, and the introduction of a PET Scan, which was not available in the nation before.

According to the minister, there has been an increase in bed capacity, with general hospital beds rising from 86,131 in 2021 to 145,374, ICU beds in public facilities rising from 258 in 2021 to 1,362, and improved medicine availability with 290 types of medicines and health products available in public health facilities by March of this year, up from 58 percent to 79 percent.

The minister reported that the number of hospitals offering emergency medical services (EMD) has increased from seven in 2020 to 116 by March of this year. In addition, minister Ummy reported that the country’s availability of reasonably priced advanced and specialized medical services has increased, drawing in foreign patients for medical tourism, with the number of foreign patients rising from 5,705 in 2022 to 7,843 this year.

Improved emergency obstetric treatment: the minister made it clear that there are now 523 medical facilities this year instead of the 388 that were available in 2021 for emergency obstetric care, including cesarean sections.

Other steps, according to Minister Ummy, include expanding access to pharmaceuticals and medical supplies, which has enhanced the availability of these resources at all stages of the healthcare delivery system and improved mental health services.

Other services include palliative care and rehabilitation, maternity and child health services (where the government improves reproductive health services to lower maternal mortality), and services for specialized and advanced medical care.

The 20% rise in Tanzania’s total number of health facilities is another noteworthy achievement.
More than 150 new hospitals and clinics will be opened as a result of this growth, many of them in underserved and rural areas.

Additionally, the budget for the health sector has increased significantly, going from 1.2 billion USD in 2021 to 1.8 billion USD in 2024.

The government has been able to promote health education and training initiatives, invest in state-of-the-art medical equipment, and raise the pay of healthcare workers because to this rise in financial resources.

Under President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s direction, Tanzania is building on these achievements, and the health sector is a monument to the transformative potential of wise investment and capable leadership.

Over the weekend, Rotary Tanzania organized a free medical camp that helped at least 2,500 Dar es Salaam locals.

The Oyster Bay, Sunset, and Ukonga Rotary Clubs worked together to organize the event.

The event, according to Rotary Tanzania, was a part of ongoing efforts to help the government conduct medical camps in order to bring healthcare services closer to the people.

More than 2500 residents benefited from free medical care and education thanks to the Rotary Family Health Days (RFHD) event 2024, which was hosted over the weekend in Dar es Salaam at Mzambarauni Primary School.

The health services offered include testing for malaria and information on prevention, eye exams, dental examinations, and support for menstrual hygiene, medication availability, and specialist referrals when necessary.

A group of over 500 volunteers and about 100 doctors, including 50 general practitioners and 50 specialties that included paediatricians, optometrists, and dentists, took part in the service delivery.

The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF), Rotary Action Group, and Rotary Action Group for Family Health and AIDS Prevention, as well as Rotary International’s mobilizing partners, serve as the initiative’s pillars.

Speaking at the ceremony, Sophia Chamzingo, the Country Chair of Rotary Tanzania, stated that the active collaboration of the Kairuki, Muhimbili, Alpha, and E-Swahili Rotaract Clubs made a spectacular initiative possible.

According to Ms. Sophia, since 2012, Rotary Tanzania has actively organized medical camps in collaboration with the Rotaract Club of Kairuki with the goal of offering basic healthcare to the Dar es Salaam population. These camps are largely organized by the Rotary Club of Oyster Bay.

“Today’s medical campaign will surpass all previous medical camps organized by the club in size, marking a significant milestone.” We would especially want to thank our partnering Rotary,” she stated.

She also expressed her gratitude to President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan’s sixth phase government for being a crucial Rotary partner.

The Ministry of Health, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the Management and Development of Health Organization (MDH), the Ocean Road Cancer Institute, Light of the World, CCBRT, the Tanzania Dental Association, and the Local Government Regional Medical Team were among the other Rotary partners she named.

Promoting peace, combating illnesses, assisting local economies, water and sanitation projects, rescuing women and children, improving education, and safeguarding the environment are some of the network’s key focal areas.