The United Republic of Tanzania has officially launched the Pandemic Fund Project in Mwanza, a landmark initiative designed to strengthen the country’s capacity to prevent, prepare for, and respond to future health emergencies and pandemics. Supported by a US$25 million grant from the Pandemic Fund and an additional US$13.7 million in co-investments and co-financing, the project brings together the President’s Office – Regional Administration and Local Government, the Prime Minister’s Office, the Ministry of Health, and the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries, in partnership with WHO, UNICEF, and FAO. This collaboration demonstrates a strong commitment to multisectoral coordination and health system strengthening across human, animal, and environmental domains.
The project adopts a One Health approach, with FAO focusing on animal health, UNICEF leading risk communication and community engagement, and WHO enhancing human health systems and emergency preparedness. It aims to align with Tanzania’s National Action Plan for Health Security, addressing challenges such as disease detection, laboratory capacity, and early warning systems, while targeting vulnerable populations. High-level government officials highlighted the importance of cross-sectoral partnerships and leadership to safeguard Tanzania against future pandemics and public health emergencies.
Implementation is organized through technical workstreams that strengthen surveillance and early warning systems, expand laboratory networks, and develop a skilled health workforce capable of responding to pandemics and other public health threats. WHO emphasized the critical role of linking human, animal, and environmental health under a One Health framework, reinforcing Tanzania’s path toward Universal Health Coverage and the Health for All agenda. UNICEF highlighted community engagement, focusing on the pivotal role of community health workers in disseminating life-saving information and services. FAO underscored the importance of resilient animal health systems to prevent zoonotic disease spillover and protect both public health and livelihoods.
The Pandemic Fund Project represents a significant investment in Tanzania’s health system resilience, promoting sustainable, evidence-based, and multisectoral action. By 2027, Tanzania aims to establish an integrated and functional disease surveillance and response system capable of monitoring, confirming, and addressing epidemic and pandemic threats. The Pandemic Fund itself, as a multilateral financing mechanism, provides long-term support to low- and middle-income countries for pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response, with a portfolio of nearly US$7 billion across 75 countries and a proven track record of catalyzing additional domestic and international resources for health security initiatives.
