By Katherine Gifford
Today, in Tanzania – as in the rest of the world – the international community comes together to mark and commemorate the International Day of Peace.
Celebrated each year, this day provides the opportunity to reflect on what constitutes peace and what transformative changes are needed to bring about long-lasting peace.
In his 100-day countdown to the International Day of Peace message, the United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres encourages each of us to strive harder to promote dialogue, empathy and human rights for all, emphasizing that peace is a culture that needs to be cultivated in the minds of children and communities across countries and generations.
Peace is not simply the absence of war, it is a day-to-day practice. The participation and leadership of women and girls is key to this practice and to sustaining peace.
From local dispute settlement to international peace agreement negotiations, women and girls are crucial actors to ensure that peace processes, decisions taken and measures implemented are responsive to the priorities and needs of women and girls.
In 2000, the United Nations Security Council adopted Resolution 1325 (UNSCR 1325). Along with subsequent resolutions, Resolution 1325 acknowledges that women and girls are disproportionately affected by conflict and play key roles across the peace continuum—from conflict prevention to post-conflict reconstruction.
Driven by an African-led initiative, the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) Agenda was established. Today, 108 countries, including the United Republic of Tanzania (URT), have developed and are implementing National Action Plans (NAPs) on UNSCR 1325 to advance women’s participation and leadership in peace and security processes.
In line with the objectives of the newly launched National Gender and Women Development Policy (2023-2033), the first Tanzania National Action Plan (NAP) on UNSCR 1325, developed with support from UN Women and currently undergoing approval, aims to play a key role in promoting the meaningful participation, influence, and leadership of Tanzanian women in preventing conflict and sustaining peace.
This includes their involvement at all levels of public decision-making, relief and recovery efforts, and peace and security processes. The NAP also complements other national frameworks such as the National Plan of Action to End Violence Against Women and Children II.
As we come together to celebrate the International Day of Peace, we acknowledge Tanzania’s efforts to advance the Women, Peace, and Security Agenda and honour the women and young women who continuously work to build and sustain peace in their communities.
Peace thrives when women are included. By promoting gender equality, challenging harmful stereotypes, and investing in women’s leadership, we can create a more inclusive and sustainable peace.
On this International Day of Peace, let us reaffirm our commitment to building a Culture of Peace where women’s voices are heard, their rights are protected, and their leadership is celebrated. Together, we can create a world where this becomes a reality for all.
Katherine Gifford is officer in charge, UN Women Tanzania
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Tanzania Confirms Second Marburg Outbreak After WHO Chief Visit
Dar es Salaam — Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan has declared an outbreak of Marburg virus, confirming a single case in the northwestern region of Kagera after a meeting with WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
The confirmation follows days of speculation about a possible outbreak in the region, after the WHO reported a number of deaths suspected to be linked to the highly infectious disease.
While Tanzania’s Ministry of Health declared last week that all suspected cases had tested negative for Marburg, the WHO called for additional testing at international reference laboratories.
“We never know when an outbreak might occur in a neighbouring nation. So we ensure infection prevention control assessments at every point of care as routine as a morning greeting at our workplaces.”Amelia Clemence, public health researcher
Subsequent laboratory tests conducted at Kagera’s Kabaile Mobile Laboratory and confirmed in Dar es Salaam identified one positive case, while 25 other suspected cases tested negative, the president told a press conference in Dodoma, in the east of the country today (Monday).
“The epicentre has now shifted to Biharamulo district of Kagera,” she told the press conference, distinguishing this outbreak from the previous one centred in Bukoba district.
Tedros said the WHO would release US$3 million from its emergencies contingency fund to support efforts to contain the outbreak.
Health authorities stepped up surveillance and deployed emergency response teams after the WHO raised the alarm about nine suspected cases in the region, including eight deaths.
The suspected cases displayed symptoms consistent with Marburg infection, including headache, high fever, diarrhoea, and haemorrhagic complications, according to the WHO’s alert to member countries on 14 January. The organisation noted a case fatality rate of 89 per cent among the suspected cases.
“We appreciate the swift attention accorded by the WHO,” Hassan said.
She said her administration immediately investigated the WHO’s alert.
“The government took several measures, including the investigation of suspected individuals and the deployment of emergency response teams,” she added.
Cross-border transmission
The emergence of this case in a region that experienced Tanzania’s first-ever Marburg outbreak in March 2023 has raised concerns about cross-border transmission, particularly following Rwanda’s recent outbreak that infected 66 people and killed 15 before being declared over in December 2024.
The situation is particularly critical given Kagera’s position as a transport hub connecting four East African nations.
Amelia Clemence, a public health researcher working in the region, says constant vigilance is required.
“We never know when an outbreak might occur in a neighbouring nation. So we ensure infection prevention control assessments at every point of care as routine as a morning greeting at our workplaces.”
The Kagera region’s ecosystem, home to fruit bats that serve as natural reservoirs for the Marburg virus, adds another layer of complexity to disease surveillance efforts.
The virus, closely related to Ebola, spreads through contact with bodily fluids and can cause severe haemorrhagic fever.
Transparency urged
Elizabeth Sanga, shadow minister of health for Tanzania’s ACT Wazalendo opposition party, says greater transparency would help guide public health measures.
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“This could have helped to guide those who are traveling to the affected region to be more vigilant and prevent the risk of further spread,” she said.
WHO regional director for Africa Matshidiso Moeti says early notification of investigation outcomes is important.
“We stand ready to support the government in its efforts to investigate and ensure that measures are in place for an effective and rapid response,” she said, noting that existing national capacities built from previous health emergencies could be quickly mobilised.
The situation coincides with leadership changes in Tanzania’s Ministry of Health, with both the chief medical officer and permanent secretary being replaced.
This piece was produced by SciDev.Net’s Sub-Saharan Africa English desk.
Source: allafrica.com
