Arusha – From 24 to 27 March 2026, the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania, with support from the Pandemic Fund and in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) and partners, convened an International Health Regulations (IHR) Technical Working Group (TWG) meeting. The session brought together key stakeholders to review progress, assess gaps, and prioritize actions to strengthen national systems for public health emergency preparedness and response. The focus was on evaluating IHR core capacities for the first quarter of 2026 and planning priority actions for the next quarter, demonstrating Tanzania’s commitment to building resilient systems capable of preventing, detecting, and responding to public health threats.
National IHR Focal Point, Dr. Vida Mmbaga, emphasized that the review process should go beyond routine reporting to demonstrate tangible impact in strengthening systems for timely prevention, detection, notification, and response to public health events. She highlighted the importance of aligning actions with the National Action Plan for Health Security and achieving the 7-1-7 target to improve both national and global health security.
Director of Preventive Services, Dr. Otilia Gowelle, stressed the need for multisectoral collaboration, noting that engaging all key sectors is essential to building and sustaining IHR core capacities. She also underscored the importance of the One Health approach, which links human, animal, and environmental health in preventing and responding to public health risks.
Representing WHO, Dr. Faraja Msemwa praised Tanzania’s continued progress and leadership in the African region, noting the country’s consistent submission of Mandatory State Party Annual Assessment reports and steady improvements across SPAR and JEE assessments. She reaffirmed WHO’s commitment to supporting Tanzania in further advancing IHR implementation.
The IHR Technical Working Group meets quarterly, providing a structured platform to review activities under the Annual Operational Plan derived from the five-year National Action Plan for Health Security (NAPHS). By fostering accountability, coordination, and evidence-based planning, the TWG plays a critical role in strengthening Tanzania’s capacity to manage public health emergencies effectively and safeguard the health of its population.
