Tanzania Roundup: First mpox cases recorded, $8 million water initiative, improved healthcare
First two cases of Mpox recorded
Tanzania’s Health Ministry has confirmed the country’s first two cases of mpox. The patients, who showed symptoms like rash, fever, headache, and throat pain, are now in isolation. One case involves a truck driver who entered from a neighbouring country. According to The Star, authorities said samples were tested at the national lab and confirmed on Saturday, March 8. The government is enhancing disease surveillance at borders, raising public awareness, and encouraging preventive measures.
UNESCO launches $8 million water initiative in Tanzania and Kenya
UNESCO has launched an $8 million project to improve groundwater management in Tanzania and Kenya, focusing on preserving 400 acres of Mount Kilimanjaro’s forest—a key water source for over two million people. Funded by the Global Environment Facility and implemented with the FAO, the initiative aims to boost water security through aquifer mapping and community engagement, providing clean water access to 100,000 more people. Officials emphasised the urgency of protecting Kilimanjaro’s melting glaciers and ensuring long-term water sustainability, according to Atta Travels.
Unicef chief calls for greater investment in Tanzanian children
Unicef Executive Director Catherine Russell visited education and health programs in Tanzania’s Songwe Region, urging greater investment in children and adolescent girls to break the cycle of poverty. She praised Tanzania’s progress in expanding access to education, healthcare, and nutrition, especially for girls, and emphasized that investing in children is key to the country’s future. The Citizen reports that Unicef is working with the government to reduce child marriage and teenage pregnancies—affecting nearly 45% of girls in Songwe—through education, skills training, and health services.
NHIF’s new healthcare coverage to support 1.2 million poor Tanzanian households
The National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) has launched a new initiative to provide basic healthcare support to 1.2 million vulnerable Tanzanian households unable to afford medical costs. Implemented under Section 25 of the Universal Health Insurance Act, the program will be carried out with the President’s Office and the Tanzania Social Action Fund (Tasaf). Health Minister Jenista Mhagama noted that out of 14.8 million households in mainland Tanzania, 3.9 million are economically disadvantaged, with 1.2 million identified as extremely poor. NHIF Director General Dr. Irene Isaka said beneficiaries will be identified through local government authorities, reports The Citizen.
Tanzania to build mega-conference centre in Arusha to rival Nairobi’s KICC
Tanzania’s Arusha International Conference Centre (AICC) has partnered with the Public Service Social Security Fund (PSSSF) to build the Mount Kilimanjaro International Conference Centre (MKICC), a Tsh385 billion state-of-the-art facility. NTV reported that the centre will include a 5,000-seat auditorium, a five-star hotel with 500 rooms, a 20,000-square-metre commercial space, parking for 2,000 vehicles, and a helipad. Set to be completed by 2027, MKICC aims to rival Kenya’s Kenyatta International Conference Centre.
