Embassies commit Sh258 million for health sector review in Tanzania

Dar es Salaam. The Mid-Term Review of the Health Sector Strategic Plan V (MTR HSSP-V) is set to be evaluated, with Sh258 million granted by the Swiss and Irish embassies under the World Health Organisation (WHO) Tanzania to support its implementation.

The Health Sector Strategic Plan V (HSSP V) is the overarching plan for coordinated activities in the health sector, aligned with the National Health Policy 2007, Vision 2025, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and the third Five-Year Development Plan 2021/22 - 2025/26.

Dr Charles Sagoe Moses, WHO Country Representative, highlighted the importance of the Mid-Term Review in evaluating progress and gathering insights from the past two years.

He emphasised the need for the next strategy to address emerging health threats, including impacts from industrialization, urbanisation and human movements.

"The Government of Tanzania has demonstrated significant commitment to strengthening the health system over the past two decades. The Mid-Term Review presents an opportunity to strategically highlight health priorities," stated Dr Charles.

Ms Mary McCarthy from the Ireland Embassy praised Tanzania's strides towards SDG goals, particularly in maternal and child health and disease control.

However, she urged a stronger focus on persistent challenges such as neonatal mortality, child stunting, and the rise in non-communicable diseases (NCDs), alongside disease outbreaks like cholera.

The Health Sector Strategic Plan V outlines a vision for healthcare in Tanzania over the 2021–2026 period, aiming for universal health coverage by 2030.

Ireland reiterated its commitment to support the process through various modalities, including the Health Basket Fund and NGO partnerships.

Mr Holgrr Tausch, representing the Swiss Embassy, reaffirmed Switzerland's commitment to aiding Tanzania in achieving its health objectives, underscoring efforts to improve the well-being of Tanzanian citizens.