The United Republic of Tanzania has secured a US$25 million grant from the Pandemic Fund to bolster its national health security and pandemic preparedness. This core funding is further supported by US$7 million in co-investment and US$6.7 million in co-financing, reflecting strong technical and financial partnerships dedicated to strengthening the country’s public health systems.
The initiative will be executed through a collaboration between the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), UNICEF, and the World Health Organization (WHO). These three Implementing Entities will provide integrated support across the human, animal, and environmental health sectors using the One Health approach, which recognizes the interconnectedness of these domains.
Tanzania, comprising Mainland and Zanzibar, is experiencing steady economic growth. However, the country’s economic activity and mobility increase the risk of disease transmission, particularly zoonotic and cross-border diseases. Although Tanzania has shown a strong commitment to the International Health Regulations (IHR), there are still significant gaps in laboratory capacity, disease surveillance, biosafety measures, and early warning systems.
This new project is closely aligned with the National Action Plan for Health Security and aims to reduce the threat of future epidemics by addressing systemic health weaknesses. It also emphasizes inclusivity by integrating the needs of vulnerable groups, including the elderly and people with disabilities, into all aspects of planning and implementation.
The Ministry of Health is leading the initiative in coordination with key government offices, including the President’s Office Regional Administration and Local Government, the Prime Minister’s Office, and the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries. The implementation strategy includes participation from a wide array of national and international stakeholders.
Each partner agency brings unique expertise to the project. FAO is responsible for strengthening animal health systems, UNICEF focuses on risk communication and community engagement, and WHO is tasked with enhancing human health infrastructure and emergency preparedness.
By 2027, Tanzania aims to establish a fully functional, integrated disease surveillance and response system capable of effectively detecting and managing epidemic and pandemic threats. This investment will not only strengthen national health resilience but also contribute significantly to broader regional and global health security goals.
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