US Vice President Kamala Harris met Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan on Thursday in Dar es Salaam during her first trip to Africa promising a 500 million US dollars (1.17trn/-) in support to boost transportation, infrastructure, digital technology and clean energy.
Kamala’s trip to Tanzania, comes after an invitation by the Tanzania Head of State. Her 9-day visit to Africa started in Ghana and Ms Kamala arrived in Tanzania late on Wednesday night.
Speaking at a joint press conference at the State House in Dar es Salaam, Kamala told President Samia the US’s EXIM Bank will sign a 500 million US dollar with Tanzania to help improve the country’s economy.
“The goal of the two countries working together is to increase economic investment in Tanzania and strengthen economic ties,” she said during a televised event.
Giving further details, she said there will be a new partnership on 5G’s technology and cyber security, emphasizing on the innovation and ingenuity which is now taking place in Africa.
“We believe that it will help shape the future of the world as well as benefiting the world.”
The Vice President addressed the issue of security, thanking President Samia for taking part in contributing to peace and security in the country as well as supporting women.
“I have said so many times that women around the world must be able to fully participate in the economic, political and social life and they must be able to participate equally, including in leadership roles … when you lift economic status of women you lift up the economic status of families, communities and all of society benefits
Kamala has also announced more than 1 billion US dollars initiative to improve women’s economic empowerment in Africa.
AS US Vice President Samia Harris conclude her three-day state mission in Dar es Salaam, President Samia Suluhu Hassan says the visit visit to Tanzania will take the relationship of the two countries to greater heights.
Through her verified Twitter handle @SuluhuSamia, President Samia also thanked the US Vice President for her historical visit in the country.
“Thank you, Vice President @KamalaHarris for your historical visit to Tanzania, which will definitely take Tanzania/USA relationship to greater heights for the benefit of both our countries.
“Rest assured of our commitment to work on the matters we discussed. Karibu tena Tanzania,” reads the Head of State’s tweet.
Ms Harris landed on the Tanzanian soil on Wednesday night for the second stop on her three-nation African tour.
She leaves Dar es Salaam today to Lusaka where she will conclude her mission in Africa.
Source: allafrica.com
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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
