Tanzania has received 11.8bn/- from the UK to combat tropical diseases
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- 23 Sep 2024
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Tanzania has received 11.8 billion Tanzanian shillings (around £3.5 million) from the UK government over the past two decades to support the fight against Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs), including lymphatic filariasis (Elephantiasis), hydrocele, low vision, onchocerciasis (River Blindness), and schistosomiasis (Bilharzia). This financial support has helped Tanzania train health specialists, conduct surgeries, purchase medical equipment, and provide preventive treatments, particularly for diseases like trachoma, which can lead to blindness.
Health Minister Jenista Mhagama, in discussions with Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, highlighted the positive impact of this funding on Tanzania's healthcare sector. The minister attributed these partnerships to the strong diplomatic relations fostered by President Samia Suluhu Hassan with other nations.
The Duchess is visiting Tanzania from September 16 to 20, 2024, to celebrate the UK's collaboration with Tanzania on health, agriculture, and women’s empowerment. As a long-time advocate for eliminating avoidable blindness, she has been a Global Ambassador for the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB) since 2003.
Minister Mhagama emphasized that Tanzania aims to eliminate 95% of NTDs by 2027, aligning with the World Health Organization's (WHO) global target for 2030. Additionally, she called on the UK to assist Tanzania in strengthening its national health insurance fund to ensure low-income citizens can access healthcare. Public health practices such as hand and face washing were also encouraged to prevent the spread of NTDs.
Despite these efforts, Tanzania remains endemic for several NTDs, but progress is being made with continued international support.
