DODOMA (Tanzania), Jan 22 (NNN-DAILYNEWS) — PRESIDENT Samia Suluhu Hassan has assured the global community that Tanzania remains safe and open for trade and other interactions.
The assurance came during a press conference at Chawino State House in Dodoma, following a meeting with the Director-General of the World Health Organisation (WHO), Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
“Recently, reports emerged about a potential MVD outbreak in the Kagera Region. In response, the government swiftly took action, investigating suspected cases, collaborating with local authorities to enhance surveillance and deploying emergency response teams,” President Samia said.
She added that on Jan 11, this year, a team of experts was sent to the region to assess the situation and ensure the public remained informed.
“Laboratory tests at the Kabaile Mobile Lab in Kagera and later in Dar es Salaam identified one confirmed case of MVD, while all other suspected cases tested negative,” she said.
The MVD outbreak marks Tanzania’s second such occurrence in Kagera, following a similar outbreak in March 2023.
“We are determined to bring this outbreak under control, just as we did in 2023,” President Samia reassured the public. As the situation continues to be monitored, President Samia underscored the government’s preparedness and swift response.
“Tanzania is safe and we remain open for business, trade and other interactions,” she said.
The president also provided updates on the outbreak, explaining that the epicentre has shifted to Biharamulo District in Kagera. As of January 20, this year, 21 suspected cases had tested negative, with ongoing follow-up measures in place.
The cause of previously reported deaths in the community remains unconfirmed and efforts to trace the source of the infection are ongoing. Dr Tedros, who visited Tanzania for the discussions, reaffirmed WHO’s commitment to supporting the government in controlling the MVD outbreak.
He pledged a financial contribution of 3 million US dollars (about 7.5bn/-) from the WHO Contingency Fund for Emergencies, in addition to the 50,000 US dollars (125.7m/-) previously provided for the initial investigation.
“WHO is committed to supporting Tanzania’s efforts to bring the outbreak under control and to ensure a healthier, safer and fairer future for all Tanzanians,” Dr Tedros said.
Despite the challenges posed by the outbreak, both President Samia and Dr Tedros expressed confidence in Tanzania’s ability to manage the situation. President Samia cited lessons learned from the first outbreak that have strengthened the country’s capacity to respond effectively.
She reassured the public that proven strategies, including the swift isolation and treatment of cases, contact tracing and community engagement, would be employed to bring the outbreak under control.
In addition to the government’s efforts in responding to the MVD outbreak, President Samia shared updates on Tanzania’s broader healthcare advancements.
She said there is significant progress in maternal and child health, with a reduction in maternal mortality from 556 to 104 deaths per 100,000 live births and a decrease in under-5 mortality from 67 to 43 per 1,000 live births. The government is also working to establish functional neonatal care units in district hospitals.
Dr Tedros commended Tanzania’s health system resilience, acknowledging the country’s leadership in emergency preparedness and the successful launch of the Universal Health and Preparedness Study Report.
He also commended President Samia for her commitment to universal health coverage through the enactment of the Universal Health Insurance Act of 2023.
“We are proud to support Tanzania in its drive to build a strong health workforce and to make health services accessible to all,” Dr Tedros said, also highlighting the government’s Community Health Workers Programme, which began in 2023 to improve health services at the grassroots level.
Both leaders reiterated the importance of continued collaboration, both within the country and with global partners, to protect public health. Dr Tedros expressed gratitude to international partners, including the European Union, US government agencies and the United Kingdom, for their ongoing support.
“We will continue to support the government’s efforts to bring this outbreak under control and ensure the safety and well-being of all Tanzanians,” Dr Tedros said. — NNN-DAILYNEWS
