AGP Executive Report

Maternal & Child Health Strategy: Tanzania has tabled a three-year plan to eliminate preventable maternal and child deaths, with the Ministry of Health outlining how President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s RMNCAH One Plan III gains will be used to guide regional action. Neonatal Kidney Care: JOOTRH in Western Kenya performed the region’s first neonatal peritoneal dialysis for a 17-day-old baby with acute kidney injury, aiming to cut risky, costly referrals. Health Security Funding: The EAC and Germany (KfW) secured €8m to strengthen regional preparedness for Ebola and Mpox, including lab upgrades and faster outbreak detection. Workplace Wellness: CRDB Wellness Day drew 800 staff for health screenings and fitness activities to prevent lifestyle diseases. Child Labour in Zanzibar: Zanzibar reported 7.6% child labour (ages 5–17), with government drafting a 2026–2032 action plan to tighten enforcement. Ebola Travel Anxiety: Reports say some travellers are postponing trips to East and Central Africa due to Ebola fears, even where risk is perceived rather than confirmed. HIV Patent Challenge: PATAM and TWN filed a third-party observation at ARIPO challenging a Gilead HIV patent application across ARIPO contracting states. Water Access Push: PM directed experts to accelerate clean water projects, including a national water grid and faster village connections.

Maternal & Child Health Strategy: Tanzania has tabled a three-year plan to eliminate preventable maternal and child deaths, led through President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s AU RMNCAH champion role, building on RMNCAH One Plan III gains. Emergency Care Capacity: Tanzania is boosting readiness for public health emergencies with Emergency Medical Team (EMT) and EMT Coordination Cell (EMTCC) training in Morogoro. Regional Outbreak Preparedness: The EAC and Germany (via KfW) secured €8m to strengthen Ebola and Mpox response, including lab upgrades, surveillance, and faster cross-border coordination. Neonatal Kidney Care: JOOTRH in Western Kenya performed the region’s first neonatal peritoneal dialysis for a 17-day-old baby with acute kidney injury, reducing the need for risky, costly referrals. Workplace Wellness: CRDB Wellness Day brought 800 staff together for health screenings and exercise to support physical fitness and mental wellbeing. Public Health & Safety: Zanzibar reported 7.6% child labour (ages 5–17), with hazardous work affecting health and safety. Health Risks on the Road: Zambia recorded 10 deaths and five injuries in separate road crashes, with speeding and unsafe overtaking cited.

Maternal & Child Health Strategy: Tanzania has tabled a three-year plan to cut preventable maternal and child deaths, building on RMNCAH One Plan III gains and positioning the country as a regional role model. Ebola/Mpox Preparedness: The EAC and Germany (via KfW) secured €8m to strengthen cross-border Ebola and Mpox response, with upgrades for labs, surveillance, and faster outbreak coordination. Neonatal Care Upgrade: JOOTRH in Western Kenya performed the region’s first neonatal peritoneal dialysis for a 17-day-old, reducing the need for risky, costly referrals. Wellness at Work: CRDB Bank’s Wellness Day drew 800 staff for screenings, medical advice, and fitness activities aimed at preventing lifestyle diseases. Chikungunya Travel Alert: Three simultaneous chikungunya travel notices are active across Suriname, Mayotte, and French Guiana, raising mosquito-bite risk for summer travelers. Medicine Use & Resistance: Pharmacists urged Tanzanians to stop self-medicating, finish prescribed doses, and avoid sharing medicines to curb drug resistance. Public Health Response Training: Tanzania is advancing Emergency Medical Team readiness through EMT and EMT Coordination Cell training in Morogoro.

Neonatal Care Breakthrough: JOOTRH in Kenya performed the region’s first neonatal peritoneal dialysis for a 17-day-old baby with acute kidney injury, a move expected to cut risky, costly referrals to Nairobi and Eldoret. Emergency Preparedness: Tanzania is boosting readiness through Emergency Medical Team (EMT) and Emergency Medical Team Coordination Cell (EMTCC) training in Morogoro, aimed at faster response to public health emergencies. Medicines & Resistance: Tanzania’s pharmacists urged the public to stop self-medicating, finish prescribed doses, and avoid sharing medicines—warning that misuse fuels drug resistance. Menstrual Health Spotlight: Mwananchi journalist Herieth Makwetta won the Menstrual Health Award 2026, highlighting progress on guidelines and girl-friendly services like sanitation and safe water. Regional Ebola/Mpox Support: The EAC signed a €5m deal with Germany’s KfW to strengthen lab capacity, surveillance, and coordinated outbreak response for Ebola and Mpox. Health Tech Impact: Malawi hospitals using the AI IMPALA monitoring system reported 40–51% fewer child deaths, showing how early detection can save lives in low-resource wards. Drug Trafficking Warning: Tanzania launched a bus-based film campaign warning passengers and transport workers not to carry unknown parcels, after cases of unwitting involvement in drug offences.

Ebola & Mpox Readiness: Germany pledged €8m via KfW to help the EAC strengthen Ebola and Mpox prevention, lab capacity, surveillance, and cross-border outbreak response. Public Health Messaging: Tanzania’s pharmacists urged people to stop self-medicating, finish prescribed doses, and avoid sharing medicines to curb drug resistance. Drug Trafficking Risk on Transport: Tanzania’s drug control authority launched a bus-based film campaign warning passengers and transport workers not to carry unknown parcels, after cases of unwitting involvement. Maternal Health Focus: A Lancet report highlights postpartum hemorrhage as a fast-moving emergency and calls for better recognition and rapid treatment to cut maternal deaths. Menstrual Health Spotlight: Mwananchi journalist Herieth Makwetta won a Menstrual Health Award, as officials reiterated that menstruation is normal and pushed for better sanitation and girl-friendly services. Agriculture & Health Link: Tanzania secured South Africa’s market access for fresh bananas after plant health negotiations, supporting farmer incomes and food-system resilience. Community Wellness: A global dentist initiative offering free care, including in Tanzania, says it has helped over 100,000 patients.

Pharmacy Week Push: Tanzania’s pharmacists are urging people to stop self-medicating, finish prescribed doses, and avoid sharing medicines—warning that wrong use can drive drug resistance and make illnesses harder to treat. Maternal Health Focus: A major push to prevent postpartum hemorrhage highlights how fast heavy bleeding after childbirth can become fatal without prompt action. Menstrual Health Spotlight: Mwananchi journalist Herieth Makwetta won the Menstrual Health Award 2026, as officials reiterated that menstruation is normal and called for better girl-friendly services and sanitation. Student Loans Compliance: HESLB honoured 11 employers for timely loan deductions and record recoveries, while also reminding students and guardians how to apply for the 2026/27 academic year. Cervical Cancer Elimination: At the World Health Assembly, countries including Tanzania backed stronger systems and accountability to expand HPV vaccination, screening, and treatment to meet 2030 targets. Universal Health Insurance Funding: Tanzania proposed higher tobacco and sugar levies to help finance Universal Health Insurance, aiming to grow domestic health funding. Zanzibar Rehab Access: A limb rehabilitation outreach in Zanzibar is assessing and fitting amputees, with free prosthetics and training for local practitioners.

Maternal Health: A new Lancet series spotlights postpartum hemorrhage as a fast-moving emergency and urges quicker recognition and treatment to prevent thousands of deaths each year. Menstrual Health & Media: Mwananchi journalist Herieth Makwetta won the Menstrual Health Award 2026, as Tanzania pushes girl- and women-friendly services, guidelines, and sanitation support. Health Financing: Tanzania’s 2026/27 budget proposes higher levies on cigarettes and sugar to fund Universal Health Insurance, with the Sugar Board remitting proceeds to the UHI Fund. Zanzibar Care Access: Zanzibar is running a limb rehabilitation outreach, with 54 amputees already assessed for free limb fitting and prosthetics, plus training for local practitioners. Cervical Cancer Elimination: At the World Health Assembly, countries and partners—including Tanzania—called for stronger, accountable health systems to expand HPV vaccination, screening, referrals, and treatment. Ebola Preparedness & Travel: Health authorities continue to issue and strengthen Ebola travel and screening precautions as outbreaks in the region raise public health concerns. Clean Energy & Health: TANESCO launched a clean cooking and electric mobility push, including on-bill financing for electric stoves—aimed at making safer household energy more affordable.

Universal Health Coverage Funding: Tanzania plans to raise about Sh7.5bn for Universal Health Coverage by increasing excise duty on cigarettes (by Sh20 per mille) and adding a Sh10 per kilogram levy on sugar, with collections remitted to the Universal Health Fund. Health Policy & Access: Parliament’s Standing Committee on Health and HIV/AIDS urged upgrading Benjamin Mkapa Hospital to national status, citing 20 specialist and 17 super-specialist services including bone marrow transplants and kidney transplants, to cut costly referrals abroad. Tax Moves With Health Links: The government also proposed higher excise duties on imported beauty products (up to 15%) and UV/LED nail polish drying machines, citing potential health risks and revenue gains. Cardiac Care Milestone: Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac Institute (JKCI) successfully completed CABG surgery on six Tanzanian patients during a specialized cardiac camp, aiming to expand advanced cardiovascular services and medical tourism. Ebola Preparedness Context: Health advisories and border screening measures were highlighted in regional coverage, with Tanzania named among countries facing heightened health scrutiny due to Ebola risk.

Universal Health Funding Push: Tanzania plans to raise about Sh7.5 billion for Universal Health Coverage by increasing excise duty on cigarettes and adding a levy on sugar, with proceeds earmarked for the Universal Health Fund. Health System Upgrade Call: Parliament’s Health and HIV/AIDS committee urged upgrading Benjamin Mkapa Hospital to national status, citing its specialist and super-specialist services and arguing it could cut costly referrals abroad. Hospital Care Quality: Health Minister Mohamed Mchengerwa told hospital leaders to prioritize patient-centred care—dignity, compassion, and shorter waits—warning that poor service can undermine health-sector investments. Cardiac Care Milestone: Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac Institute (JKCI) successfully performed CABG surgery on six Tanzanian patients, reinforcing plans to expand specialized cardiovascular services ahead of AFCON 2027. Ebola Border Precautions: Tanzania’s health authorities activated precautionary Ebola measures and enhanced screening at entry points, as travel advisories warn against going to affected regions. Business Formalization Incentive: Finance Minister Khamis Mussa Omar announced a one-year income tax exemption for newly registered businesses from the date they get a TIN, aiming to pull more people into the formal economy. Excise Duty on Beauty Products: Government proposed higher excise duty on imported beauty products (including nail polish drying machines), citing health risk reduction alongside revenue gains.

Ebola Alert (Tanzania-linked): Tanzania is listed among high-risk countries as Ebola Bundibugyo spreads in the DRC and Uganda, with calls for heightened vigilance and border screening. Ebola Response (Regional): Human Rights Watch urges the DRC and partners to prioritize community engagement and limit security forces’ role to protect trust and improve outbreak control. Patient-Centred Care: Health Minister Mohamed Mchengerwa told hospital leaders to put dignity, compassion, and respect for patients at the centre of service delivery, warning that poor treatment can undermine health-sector investments. Hospital Upgrade Push: Tanzania lawmakers urged upgrading Benjamin Mkapa Hospital to national status, citing specialist and super-specialist services including transplants. Disability Rights: Tanzania reported progress on disability inclusion at the UN, highlighting legal frameworks and expanded access to healthcare, rehabilitation, and assistive technologies. Mental Health Tragedy (Moshi): A 26-year-old man in Moshi died by suicide after a prolonged leg injury, with police linking the death to psychological distress.

Patient-centred care push: Tanzania’s Health Minister Mohamed Mchengerwa told hospital leaders to judge progress by dignity, compassion and respect—not just equipment—after complaints about long waits and poor service delivery. Ebola travel and screening warnings: With WHO declaring the Ebola outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, health authorities advised against travel to affected countries and warned returning travellers will face enhanced screening and monitoring. Ebola preparedness funding (regional signal): Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu approved a Presidential Task Force on Ebola preparedness and released N10bn to strengthen the national disease control response—an example of how governments are tightening airport and border measures. Mental health tragedy in Moshi: A 26-year-old man in Moshi died by suicide after prolonged psychological distress linked to a leg injury, with police reporting rat poison found at the scene. Tanzania–Singapore ties with health on the agenda: Singapore President Tharman’s state visit highlighted cooperation including healthcare, digital development and food security, alongside trade and skills deals. Malaria focus: Tanzania renewed calls for intensified research and better bed net coverage as it pushes toward malaria elimination.

Malaria Elimination Push: Tanzania’s Health Minister Mohamed Mchengerwa urged researchers to intensify work toward a lasting solution to eliminate malaria, calling for stronger innovation and sustained funding as the disease remains a major public health threat. Malaria Prevention Gap: A new study in Malaria Journal shows rural Tanzania is still below targets for insecticide-treated bed nets, with 77.6% owning nets and 77.2% using them—both under the 80% benchmark—highlighting district-level inequalities. Ebola Preparedness Watch: While Ebola actions were reported from Nigeria and regional alerts focused on Lake Victoria routes, the wider message for Tanzania is clear: strengthen surveillance, screening, and emergency readiness as outbreaks in neighboring countries raise cross-border risk. Health Diplomacy & Partnerships: Tanzania’s state-level ties with Singapore were expanded through agreements covering trade, digital transformation, and cooperation in health, including work on sickle cell disease. Cancer Capacity Building: Merck Foundation highlighted ongoing oncology training scholarships and cancer awareness efforts aimed at expanding specialist capacity across African countries, including support for better early care.

Malaria Research Push: Tanzania’s health authorities urged research institutions to intensify efforts to eliminate malaria as the country tackles the disease’s ongoing public health burden, calling for stronger innovation and more sustainable funding. Ebola Preparedness Watch: Nigeria approved a Presidential Task Force on Ebola preparedness and released N10 billion for emergency response, including enhanced airport screening—an important reminder for regional readiness. Tanzania–Singapore Health & Trade Deals: Tanzania and Singapore signed agreements during a historic state visit, including cooperation on healthcare, digital transformation, skills development, and efforts to tackle sickle cell disease. Clean Energy, Cleaner Air: EnDev’s 13-year clean energy work is credited with improving millions of lives across rural Tanzania by cutting toxic indoor air pollution and expanding access to cleaner cooking and lighting. Cancer Capacity Building: Merck Foundation highlighted ongoing scholarship and training support to expand oncology care capacity across multiple African countries, including cancer awareness initiatives. One Health Training: MUHAS and the One Health Society launched a short course to strengthen One Health capacity for pandemic prevention and response. Ebola Response Scaling: UNICEF reported rapid scaling of emergency supplies and support in the DRC to protect children and frontline health workers as the outbreak evolves.

TB Care Update: At the ATS conference, researchers reported promising results for a safer 4-month TB regimen using sutezolid, with better lung function recovery in patients with impaired baseline breathing and no typical oxazolidinone side effects. Ebola Preparedness (Regional): Uganda’s President Museveni assured WHO of readiness to contain Ebola and urged stronger cross-border collaboration, while UNICEF scaled up emergency supplies to DRC and neighboring areas as the response faces funding pressure. Ebola Preparedness (Tanzania-linked): MUHAS is running a five-day One Health training to strengthen pandemic prevention and response capacity, and Tanzania’s Arusha scientific conference (June 9–11) will focus on universal health coverage and research-driven health system strengthening. Maternal Health: A new study highlights gestational diabetes as a growing maternal and newborn risk, especially where screening and follow-up are limited. Access to Care for Girls: Tanzania identified 1,623 out-of-school girls in six regions for return to education and protection services under a Global Fund-backed programme. Malaria Treatment for Infants: Africa CDC welcomed approval of Coartem Baby, a newborn/infant malaria medicine expected to roll out in Tanzania and other countries soon. Drug Abuse Prevention: Tanzania’s drug control authority urged youth in Arusha to lead community prevention and anti-trafficking efforts. Health System & Policy: Tanzania’s Vision 2050 pillar on human capabilities includes the 3Rs foundational learning push, with implementation directives aimed at improving early childhood support and access to quality healthcare.

Ebola Preparedness: Uganda’s President Museveni assured WHO of strong readiness to contain Ebola, stressing vigilance and tighter cross-border cooperation with DRC. Ebola Response Scaling: UNICEF is rushing over 100 metric tons of emergency supplies—PPE, medicines, and WASH materials—to the DRC and neighboring areas as the outbreak accelerates. Regional Coordination: EAC health ministers are pushing harmonised Ebola protocols and cross-border surveillance, while Kenya and Uganda teams are assessing screening gaps at Busia border. Travel Health Measures: Tanzania-linked high-risk areas are included in temporary visa restrictions tied to Ebola risk, and Kenya has set up an isolation centre at the Taveta-Holili border point to speed response. Maternal Health: A new dedicated malaria treatment for newborns and infants (Coartem Baby) is approved and expected to roll out soon in Tanzania and other countries. Adolescent Support: Tanzania identified 1,623 out-of-school girls across 24 councils for return to education and protection services under a Global Fund-backed programme. Wellness & Climate Risks: Experts urge communities to prepare for El Niño impacts—more rain, but also flood and disease risks. Community Livelihoods: Native bee projects in western Tanzania are supporting incomes through conservation-friendly beekeeping.

Malaria Care Milestone: Africa CDC welcomed approval of Coartem Baby, a malaria treatment made for newborns and infants under 5kg, after trials including Tanzania—expected to roll out in weeks. Ebola Preparedness at Borders: Kenya and Uganda launched a joint assessment at Busia to plug Ebola screening and Standard Operating Procedures gaps, while Kenya also set up an isolation centre at Taveta-Holili. Cancer Survivorship Focus: National Cancer Survivors Day highlighted the needs of people living after cancer and the push for wider public awareness. Health Tech in Practice: Muhimbili National Hospital is using AI to support diagnosis, monitoring and faster decision-making, with WHO urging responsible, patient-centred use. Private Sector Health Investment: Tanzania’s Medical Association called for better conditions for private investors, including support for equipment costs and stronger human resources. Drug Fight Youth Call: Tanzania’s drug control authority urged young people to lead prevention and community education against drug abuse. Tourism Insurance in Zanzibar: Zanzibar defended its mandatory travel insurance after repatriation costs for a US influencer were covered. Regional Health Security Lens: Lawmakers urged stronger Ebola safeguards around Lake Victoria trade routes.