Tanzania: Major Uplift of School, Healthcare Facilities in Kisarawe

Tanzania: Major Uplift of School, Healthcare Facilities in Kisarawe

WaterAid Tanzania’s project in Kisarawe District, Coast Region, has made significant strides in enhancing access to safe and dignified sanitation and hygiene services in local schools and healthcare facilities.

The project, titled “Effectiveness of Hygiene Behavior in Schools and Healthcare Facilities,” ran from 2021 to 2024 and was implemented across 45 institutions, including 30 schools and 15 healthcare facilities.

At a dissemination workshop held in Dar es Salaam yesterday, attended by Minister for Industry and Trade Selemani Jafo, Dr Happiness Willbroad, Head of Programmes at WaterAid Tanzania, shared an overview of the project’s impact.

Dr. Willbroad highlighted the positive changes experienced by thousands of students, teachers, and healthcare workers due to the initiative.

The project focused on enhancing WASH infrastructure and services by constructing latrines, handwashing stations, and water connections and storage facilities. It directly benefited 13,580 students, 240 teachers, and 60 healthcare facility staff.

Key achievements included the construction of rain harvesting systems with a 20,000-liter capacity, 72 improved sanitation facilities, and 19 new accessible latrines in schools and healthcare facilities.

Additionally, the project developed two comprehensive hygiene packages providing step-by-step guidance for conducting hygiene sessions and implementing behavior change campaigns in the 30 schools and 15 healthcare facilities involved.

In her opening remarks, WaterAid Tanzania Country Director Ms Anna Mzinga emphasised the transformative impact of the new infrastructure. However, she also stressed that infrastructure alone is not enough to create lasting change.

“The behavior change interventions were crucial in empowering communities and embedding lifelong hygiene practices,” Ms Mzinga noted.

Minister Jafo, who is also the MP for Kisarawe warned about the economic and health impacts of waterborne diseases. He commended WaterAid and the Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA) for their contributions.

“The challenge of waterborne diseases, particularly among children, has been significant. The WASH infrastructure and awareness campaigns are crucial steps towards addressing this issue,” he said.

He highlighted that the project has successfully supported Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 3, which aims to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all, and SDG 6, which focuses on ensuring access to water and sanitation for all.

Minister Jafo urged Kisarawe District officials and experts to continue making positive changes in sanitation and personal hygiene, recommending budget allocations for infrastructure maintenance and collaboration with stakeholders.

“This can be achieved by maintaining our infrastructure and ensuring continued cooperation in the implementation of various projects,” he added.

Source: allafrica.com

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Tanzania: Exim to Raise Fund for Mental Health Facilities Upgrades
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Tanzania: Exim to Raise Fund for Mental Health Facilities Upgrades

Tanzania: Exim to Raise Fund for Mental Health Facilities Upgrades

EXIM Bank to raise 300m/- over the next three years for financing essential services and infrastructure upgrades in mental health facilities.

The bank’s Head of Marketing and Communications Stanley Kafu unveiled this when introducing Exim Bima Festival 2024 as a platform for bringing together individuals, organisations and various sectors for raising the funds.

“Exim’s initiative aligns with the government’s broader goals to ensure that every citizen has access to quality healthcare, including mental health services,” he said.

The initiative, which is one of the events for celebrating the bank’s 27th anniversary is scheduled for Wednesday this week in Dar es Salaam.

Mr Kafu highlights that this year’s festival is not only about raising awareness of the importance of insurance in the society but also focuses on enhancing access to mental health services and improving the overall well-being of the nation.

Statistics from the Ministry of Health shows a staggering 82 per cent increase in mental health cases over the past decade.

Mental cases have risen from 386,358 in 2012 to 2,102,726 in 2021, making the need for mental health services more urgent than ever.

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Unfortunately, the country’s ability to address this growing challenge is hindered by a shortage of mental health professionals, infrastructure, medical equipment and essential medication.

For example, out of the 28 regions in the country, only five have facilities that provide adequate mental health services.

The most affected group is the youth aged 15 to 39, who represent the nation’s workforce, underscoring the need for intensified efforts to safeguard this generation for Tanzania’s future well-being and development.

Mr Kafu said by improving mental health services, Exim aims to contribute to the creation of a network of communities that can access care quickly and affordably.

Exim Insurance Department Manager Tike Mwakyoma said they are appreciating the support from partners in the insurance industry, who have stood by them since the last festival.

“Let’s continue this unity for the development of all Tanzanians and our nation as a whole,” the manager said.

Source: allafrica.com

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