Muhimbili-Mloganzila hails Prof Janabi for WHO win

Dar es Salaam. The Muhimbili National Hospital (MNH) – Mloganzila branch has commended the recent election of Prof Mohamed Janabi as Regional Director of the World Health Organization (WHO) for Africa, highlighting the win as a milestone for Tanzania.

Prof Janabi secured the position after garnering 32 out of 46 votes cast by African member states, surpassing the required threshold of 24 votes.

Speaking during a handover ceremony for a donation of syringes worth Sh25 million from Patners Group Limited, a Tanzanian youth-led medical supplies company, MNH-Mloganzila’s assistant director for medical services, Dr Elineema Meda, described Prof Janabi’s win as a reflection of Tanzania’s growing role in the regional health landscape.

“This victory is not based on favouritism but on proven excellence in healthcare delivery,” said Dr Meda. “It puts Tanzania at the forefront in Africa, and we, who continue to provide these services, are duty-bound to maintain the same standards of leadership and quality that Prof Janabi established.”

Dr Meda also called for bolstering of local manufacturing of medical supplies and pharmaceuticals in attempt to allow access to affordable healthcare.

The high costs is caused by imported medical supplies, he said.

“Tanzania does not produce many drugs or medical devices locally, which makes services expensive and inconsistent due to dependency on imports. When we see Tanzanians establishing factories, it’s a positive step that promises greater access and lower costs while maintaining quality — just like Patners Group has demonstrated,” he said.

He noted that the contribution from Patners Group Limited was a result of the company's recognition of government efforts to improve healthcare services. He also underscored the importance of investing in local industries for the production of medical equipment and pharmaceuticals.

He stressed that MNH does not accept every donation and that all items undergo rigorous quality checks.

“In this case, we are satisfied that the syringes are of good quality. We will use them professionally to continue providing excellent care, especially to children,” he said.

Patners Group Limited managing director, Mr Rashid Baraka said the company was motivated to make the donation in recognition of the dedication shown by government health professionals.

“This is our way of giving back to the community,” he said. “We’ve donated 30,000 syringes worth Sh25 million to support the government’s efforts in the health sector.”

James Kalema from Afya Lead, a local partner company, also praised the cost-effectiveness of producing medical supplies locally.

“We package delivery kits for expectant mothers. Before working with Patners Group, each kit cost Sh18,000. Now, by partnering locally, we’ve reduced the price to Sh12,000,” he said.