US, Tanzania partner to secure $25m in pandemic preparedness

Dar es Salaam. The US has partnered with Tanzania to secure a $25 million grant from the World Bank’s Pandemic Fund.

A statement issued by the US embassy in Tanzania says the grant is part of global efforts to bolster pandemic prevention, preparedness and response capacities in 40 countries across six geographical regions.

The US, through its development agency USAID and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), is also contributing $3.2 million of the accumulated $13.7 million in matching funds for Tanzania, according to the statement.

“This partnership reflects a core part of [US President Joe] Biden’s Global Health Security Strategy to strengthen public health capacities that prevent and protect against future global pandemics,” said US ambassador to Tanzania, Mr Michael Battle.

“By including complementary US investments, we are providing more effective support to the government of Tanzania in its aim to protect all Tanzanians from disease outbreaks,” he added.

Mobilising matching funds from participating countries and donor partners is a key aim of the Pandemic Fund.

“The US is also providing technical assistance to the Tanzanian Ministry of Health, as part of our overarching support of Tanzania’s strengthening public health preparedness,” the statement added.

Launched in 2022, the Pandemic Fund is the first global, multilateral financing initiative aimed at empowering low- and middle-income countries to strengthen their preparedness for future pandemics.

In July 2024, the US pledged up to $667 million to the Pandemic Fund, demonstrating its leadership as one of the top contributors.