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: Samia Hands Over NBC’s 354m/ – Crop Insurance Compensation to Farmers Affected By Hailstorms
President Samia Suluhu Hassan, has handed over a cheque of 354m/- from the National Bank of Commerce (NBC) as compensation to tobacco farmers, who were affected by hailstorms during the previous farming season in various regions across the country.
Handing over the cheque in Dodoma, the compensation is part of the crop insurance service provided by NBC in collaboration with the National Insurance Corporation (NIC).
Furthermore, President Samia has also handed over health insurance coverage to members of the Lindi Mwambao Cooperative Union based in Lindi Region, through the Farmers’ Health Insurance service provided by the bank in partnership with Assurance Insurance Company.
While visiting the bank’s pavilion at the Nanenane Agricultural Exhibition and being received and briefed by the bank’s Managing Director, Mr. Theobald Sabi, she said: “This crop insurance is one of the crucial solutions in ensuring farmers have a reliable income, without fear of challenges such as natural disasters, including hailstorms.
“I call upon all farmers in the country to make the best use of this important opportunity by accessing these kinds of insurance services. I also highly commend NBC and all the stakeholders participating in this programme.”
Elaborating further on the crop insurance service, the Minister of Agriculture, Hussein Bashe, stated that it will help to recover the loss farmers incurred, especially in various calamities beyond their control.
Citing them as floods, fires, and hailstorms, which have significantly affected the well-being of farmers and caused some to be reluctant to invest in the crucial sector, Mr Bashe added: “However, our President, this step by NBC is just the beginning, as this is the second year since they started offering this service, and the results are already visible.
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“As the government, we promise to continue supporting the wider implementation of this service, with the goal of ensuring that this crop insurance service reaches more farmers.”
ALSO READ: NBC participates in TFF 2023/24 awards, promises to enhance competition
On his part, Mr Sabi said that the farmers who benefited from the compensations are from 23 primary cooperative unions in the regions of Shinyanga, Geita, Tabora, Mbeya, Katavi, and Kigoma.
He added: “In addition to these insurance services, as a bank, through this exhibition, we have continued with our programme of providing financial education and various banking opportunities to farmers, alongside offering them various loans, including loans for agricultural equipment, particularly tractors, to eligible farmers.:
At the NBC booth, President Samia also had the opportunity to be briefed on the various services offered by the bank to the farmers namely crop insurance and health insurance services.
There, the President had the chance to speak with some of the beneficiaries of the services, including the Vice-Chairman of the Lindi Mwambao Primary Cooperative Union, Mr. Hassan Mnumbe, whose union has been provided with a health insurance card from the bank.
Source: allafrica.com
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