Tanzania has significantly strengthened its pandemic preparedness by expanding its capacity to detect and respond to respiratory disease threats. The country’s sentinel surveillance network has grown from 9 sites in 2021 to 27 sites across 19 regions, enabling faster detection of pathogens such as COVID-19, influenza, RSV, adenoviruses, and other emerging respiratory infections. This expansion enhances the country’s ability to monitor respiratory threats and respond rapidly with evidence-based interventions.
The progress was showcased during the Annual Respiratory Pathogens Sentinel Site Performance and Accountability Review Meeting held in Morogoro. The three-day forum, supported through Pandemic Funds, brought together medical officers and focal personnel from all 27 sites to evaluate performance, address operational challenges, and harmonize practices across the national surveillance system. Chief Medical Officer Dr. Grace Magembe highlighted the success of the surveillance program in monitoring multiple respiratory infections and stressed the importance of sustaining high-quality data for rapid responses.
The World Health Organization also praised Tanzania’s leadership in respiratory disease surveillance. Dr. George Kauki, Surveillance Officer at WHO Tanzania, emphasized that high-quality surveillance data is essential for pandemic preparedness and global health security. The forum reaffirmed the country’s commitment to strengthening its health system and contributing to international efforts to prevent future pandemics.
This national review marked the first comprehensive assessment since the sentinel network expansion from 2021 to 2025. The program included site performance presentations, plenary discussions, and the official launch of the National Protocol for Respiratory Multipathogen Surveillance. The meeting concluded with recognition of exemplary sites, promoting accountability, continuous improvement, and motivation across the surveillance network, further positioning Tanzania as a regional and global leader in epidemic preparedness and health security.
