As Tanzania commemorates the 25th anniversary of Mwalimu Julius Nyerere’s passing, his contributions to the nation’s health sector remain a lasting legacy.
Nyerere, born on April 13, 1922, in Butiama, Mara Region, passed away on October 14, 1999, in a London hospital where he was receiving treatment.
After gaining independence in 1961, Nyerere declared a war against three major challenges: poverty, ignorance, and disease.
His government prioritized universal access to free healthcare, establishing numerous health facilities across the country through the Ujamaa policy, which aimed to ensure that all citizens could receive medical care close to home.
Prior to independence, health services were predominantly available in urban areas, leaving rural populations underserved. Recognizing the vital link between health and national development, Nyerere’s government worked to expand access to healthcare services.
Health initiatives became integral to national development plans, with the First Five-Year Development Plan (1964-1969) emphasizing the establishment of regional hospitals and enhancing specialist care.
Subsequent plans focused on preventive measures to combat communicable diseases and improve healthcare access in both urban and rural areas.
The Third Five-Year Development Plan (1976-1981) aligned with the global call for primary healthcare established at the Alma Ata conference in 1978, aiming for health for all by the year 2000.
The groundwork laid by Nyerere’s administration set the stage for ongoing improvements in Tanzania’s health sector.
ALSO READ: Mwalimu Nyerere, a rare visionary leader
Today, six decades post-independence, the country has witnessed significant advancements in primary healthcare, largely due to the stable foundation established by Nyerere, who recognized disease as a primary enemy.
Successive governments have continued this mission, implementing robust health policies in collaboration with religious institutions, private organizations, and community stakeholders.
The number of health facilities has soared from just 1,343 before independence to 11,040 by March 2023, including 430 hospitals and 1,030 health centers.
As of March 2023, Tanzania boasted 95,868 hospital beds, reflecting a growing capacity to meet the healthcare needs of the population.
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Government efforts have ensured a steady supply of medicines, equipment, and medical supplies, while specialized services are increasingly accessible through various hospitals across the country.
Tanzanians no longer need to travel abroad for complex medical procedures like kidney transplants and cochlear implants, which are now available at Muhimbili National Hospital.
The Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac Institute has also made strides, performing over 1,190 closed-heart surgeries and 345 open-heart surgeries within three years.
Investments in the Ocean Road Cancer Institute have enhanced cancer care, allowing the facility to treat up to 300 patients daily and ensuring that essential cancer medications are fully stocked.
Meanwhile, the Muhimbili Orthopaedic Institute has conducted significant numbers of spine and brain surgeries, demonstrating advancements in specialized care.
The government’s initiatives have not only improved local healthcare but also strengthened medical tourism, attracting patients from neighboring countries seeking specialized services.
In conclusion, Nyerere’s vision for a healthier Tanzania continues to thrive, with his legacy shaping the country’s health sector and ensuring that all citizens can access the care they need.
Source: allafrica.com
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Tanzania Confirms Outbreak of Marburg Virus Disease
Dodoma — Tanzania today confirmed an outbreak of Marburg virus disease in the northwestern Kagera region after one case tested positive for the virus following investigations and laboratory analysis of suspected cases of the disease.
President of the Republic of Tanzania, Her Excellency Samia Suluhu Hassan, made the announcement during a press briefing alongside World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, in the country’s administrative capital Dodoma.
“Laboratory tests conducted in Kabaile Mobile Laboratory in Kagera and later confirmed in Dar es Salaam identified one patient as being infected with the Marburg virus. Fortunately, the remaining suspected patients tested negative,” the president said. “We have demonstrated in the past our ability to contain a similar outbreak and are determined to do the same this time around.”
A total of 25 suspected cases have been reported as of 20 January 2025, all of whom have tested negative and are currently under close follow-up, the president said. The cases have been reported in Biharamulo and Muleba districts in Kagera.
“We have resolved to reassure the general public in Tanzania and the international community as a whole of our collective determination to address the global health challenges, including the Marburg virus disease,” said H.E President Hassan.
WHO is supporting Tanzanian health authorities to enhance key outbreak control measures including disease surveillance, testing, treatment, infection prevention and control, case management, as well as increasing public awareness among communities to prevent further spread of the virus.
“WHO, working with its partners, is committed to supporting the government of Tanzania to bring the outbreak under control as soon as possible, and to build a healthier, safer, fairer future for all the people of Tanzania,” said Dr Tedros. “Now is a time for collaboration, and commitment, to protecting the health of all people in Tanzania, and the region, from the risks posed by this disease.”
Marburg virus disease is highly virulent and causes haemorrhagic fever. It belongs to the same family as the virus that causes Ebola virus disease. Illness caused by Marburg virus begins abruptly. Patients present with high fever, severe headache and severe malaise. They may develop severe haemorrhagic symptoms within seven days.
“The declaration by the president and the measures being taken by the government are crucial in addressing the threat of this disease at the local and national levels as well as preventing potential cross-border spread,” said Dr Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa. “Our priority is to support the government to rapidly scale up measures to effectively respond to this outbreak and safeguard the health of the population,”
Tanzania previously reported an outbreak of Marburg in March 2023 – the country’s first – in Kagera region, in which a total of nine cases (eight confirmed and one probable) and six deaths were reported, with a case fatality ratio of 67%.
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In the African region, previous outbreaks and sporadic cases have been reported in Angola, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ghana, Kenya, Equatorial Guinea, Rwanda, South Africa and Uganda.
Marburg virus is transmitted to people from fruit bats and spreads among humans through direct contact with the bodily fluids of infected people, surfaces and materials. Although several promising candidate medical countermeasures are currently undergoing clinical trials, there is no licensed treatment or vaccine for effective management or prevention of Marburg virus disease. However, early access to treatment and supportive care – rehydration with oral or intravenous fluids – and treatment of specific symptoms, improve survival.
Source: allafrica.com
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