The government of Tanzania has committed to utilizing 161.3 billion Tanzanian Shillings from the Health Basket Fund to enhance and strengthen the country's health systems.
This initiative aims to provide quality primary healthcare services to the population while also addressing the critical issue of maternal and child mortality.
Additionally, the plan includes improving health insurance coverage for all citizens, ensuring that everyone has access to necessary medical services.
The agreement involves collaboration between the Tanzanian government and nine development partners, including Canada, Denmark, Ireland, South Korea, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, UNFPA, and UNICEF, all of whom support the Health Basket Fund.
These partners have pledged a total of 55.9 million US dollars, equivalent to approximately 161.3 billion Tanzanian Shillings, which will be allocated for purchasing medicines, medical supplies, and improving the delivery of quality primary healthcare services across health facilities from local to national levels.
Minister Mhagama expressed that the development partners are pleased with the progress made in maternal and child health services, particularly with the introduction of universal health insurance.
The government is now focused on intensifying efforts to reduce child mortality related to childbirth.
"The effective management of funds and strategic planning by the Tanzanian government has attracted additional financial support for development projects. " she said.
The Minister took the opportunity to commend the dedicated officials for their diligent oversight of these funds, highlighting the positive impact of their work on the health sector. " The permanent secretaries of ministries related to the health will make sure that, sector that has technical committees are operational and effectively address challenges that arise during implementation."
"Since the establishment of the fund in 1999, over $1.3 billion, equivalent to approximately 3.2 trillion Tanzanian Shillings, has been allocated to implement strategic health sector plans. Furthermore, starting in 2017, funds have been directly channeled to public health facilities, benefiting more than 7,300 primary health care centers." she said .