Experts warn as Tanzania sees huge increase in UTI cases

In inpatient settings, UTI infections remained the second leading cause of admission for the same age group, representing 9.6 percent of all hospitalizations, with malaria leading at 16.3 percent.

These statistics underscore the growing burden of UTI infections across the country’s healthcare facilities, prompting health professionals to call for early diagnosis and improved personal and environmental hygiene.

“The problem often stems from limited awareness rather than a failure of the healthcare system,” said Dr Fabian Maricha, a medical doctor based in Dar es Salaam. He explained that UTI infections are most commonly caused by bacterial infections in the urinary tract and disproportionately affect women, particularly those aged 16 to 64. One of the main causes, he noted, is poor toilet hygiene.

“Many people fail to clean their toilets properly or neglect to use disinfectants, creating an ideal environment for bacteria to thrive,” Dr Fabian stated.

He advised women to wipe from front to back after using the toilet to reduce the risk of infection. In areas where water scarcity persists, many people resort to using tissue or other materials instead of water, which further elevates the risk of contracting UTI infections.

Dr Lucy James, another medical expert, highlighted the increasing challenge of antimicrobial resistance linked to improper antibiotic use. “People often go straight to the pharmacy and take medication without a prescription. This increases bacterial resistance, and by the time they present at a hospital, their condition is often much more serious,” she explained.

She urged young people not to feel ashamed about seeking medical help for UTI infections, emphasizing that these infections are not always linked to unsafe sex.

 “There are several causes of UTI infections. It is always better to seek a proper diagnosis and treatment early rather than self-medicate,” she advised. Dr Lucy also warned that even with correct antibiotic use, such drugs can disrupt the body’s natural bacterial balance. She stressed the importance of education and medical guidance for effective infection management. Dr Fabian also discussed bloodstream infections, which occur when bacteria enter the circulatory system—often affecting individuals with weakened immune systems. “Sometimes, bacteria can be present in the body for a while before they begin to cause problems,” he explained. “One possible cause can be consuming undercooked food, which may not show immediate effects but can lead to serious health complications later on.”

He urged the public to practice safe water consumption, maintain environmental cleanliness, and uphold good hygiene to prevent bacterial infections. In terms of reproductive health, Dr Emmanuel Erick, a reproductive health specialist, noted that Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) is prevalent among young women, often due to unprotected sex and a poor understanding of their reproductive systems.  “Many young people lack education on reproductive health and the risks associated with unsafe sex,” he said. He pointed out that untreated infections like gonorrhea, chlamydia, and syphilis—especially gonorrhea—can lead to PID, and poorly managed UTI infections can also contribute to this condition. While experts identify gaps in awareness and systemic healthcare issues, ordinary Tanzanians are also sharing their experiences.

“I always try to keep my toilet clean, but it’s not always to the standard it should be. That’s how I ended up with a UTI without even realizing how it happened,” said Jumanne Abdul, a resident of Sinza Palestina, in an interview with The Citizen. For Sabrina Juma, the issue lies in how young people approach relationships without prioritizing health checks or open communication.  “Nowadays, someone says ‘I love you,’ and that’s where the trust begins. There’s no testing or discussion about health. That’s why infections like UTI infections continue to spread,” she remarked.

Zainabu Mwajuma, a university student, shared that her UTI symptoms began after long hours of classes with limited access to clean toilets.

“Sometimes, I had to hold my urine for a long time, and the university toilets were not hygienic. That’s when the discomfort started,” she explained.

These personal accounts illustrate the urgency of improving public awareness, promoting hygiene, and expanding access to proper medical care to curb preventable infections such as UTI infections.