Category: The Citizen

Dar es salaam. What started as a modest attempt to link family planning with economic empowerment has, over two years, reshaped how thousands of young people in Zanzibar access health information, services and life skills.

The Sh890 million Start Small project, presented to The Citizen by project manager Ms Domitila Masalla, was implemented between 2024 and 2025 by MSI Tanzania in partnership with the Zanzibar Youth Forum Association (ZAFAYCO). The project it covered West Urban, Unguja North and Unguja South, targeting adolescents and young people under the age of 25, alongside women and girls of reproductive age.

Rather than treating sexual and reproductive health as a standalone issue, the project deliberately combined family planning education with entrepreneurship and life-skills training–an approach implementers say responded to the realities young people face on the ground. “We learned early on that young people’s health decisions are closely linked to their economic situation and self-confidence.

By integrating family planning, life skills and economic empowerment, we enabled young people to make informed choices about both their health and their future,” Ms Masalla said. Through 30 supported public health facilities, community outreach programmes, school-based clubs, youth bonanzas and peer-to-peer ‘kijiweni’ networks, the project reached thousands of adolescents and young people across the three regions, many of whom would otherwise have struggled to access youth-friendly services.

According to project records, the initiative contributed to averting an estimated 27,316 unintended pregnancies, 8,945 unsafe abortions and 27 maternal deaths during its lifespan–outcomes that health experts say highlight the importance of accessible and non-judgmental family planning services for young people. MSI Tanzania, led technical support and service delivery through outreach programmes and an embedded nurse model, working closely with public health facilities.

Continuous mentorship helped strengthen provider skills, improve quality of care and ensure client safety. Annual clinical assessments showed that all service providers involved maintained Level One competence, allowing them to deliver services independently, while supportive supervision addressed gaps related to infection prevention and service provision.

Beyond health facilities, much of the project’s impact was driven at community level. ZAFAYCO mobilised young people through learning-institution outreach, youth-friendly service camps and girls-only sessions delivered using Ministry-approved training manuals.

Care clubs in schools and entrepreneurship networks for out-of-school youth helped link health education with practical life skills. District Education Officer for North A, Juma Abdallah Juma, said the project strengthened awareness among students by delivering information in formats young people could easily relate to.

“The way the education was delivered made it possible for many young people to understand quickly, starting from the lowest levels. This approach significantly boosted awareness in schools and communities,” he said.

Health officials reported similar gains. District Medical Officer from North A, Ms Fatma Abdallah said the project strengthened the capacity of frontline health workers and reduced barriers that often discourage young people from seeking services.

“Health workers were empowered to serve young clients efficiently and without judgement. Young people were given priority, misinformation was addressed, and service uptake improved in our facilities,” she said.

District nursing and reproductive health coordinators noted that the presence of embedded nurses helped build trust among adolescents, making it easier to discuss sensitive family planning and reproductive health issues. For beneficiaries, the impact was felt most strongly through peer-to-peer engagement.

Youth Kijiweni member Zainabu Mwinyi Mwinyi said reaching young people through fellow youths proved more effective than conventional awareness campaigns. “Through the kijiweni networks and bonanzas, we reached thousands of young people.

Because we are young and speak the same language, it became easier for others to open up and seek services without fear or stigma,” she said. Despite the progress, Ms Masalla said implementers encountered challenges that could not be fully addressed within the project’s lifespan, including limited equipment, staff shortages, inadequate privacy in some health facilities and persistent stigma–particularly against unmarried adolescent girls and young women.

“Some facilities still lack adequate equipment and private spaces for young people, and staff shortages remain a challenge. In addition, stigma continues to discourage some adolescent girls from seeking services,” she said.

She added that geographical barriers, and bureaucratic procedures also constrained implementation in some areas. “In hard-to-reach communities, distance and transport costs affected access, while administrative processes sometimes slowed down the implementation of planned activities,” Ms Masalla noted.

Still, stakeholders say the project’s achievements outweigh its limitations, with the closure of Start Small marking the end of a pilot phase that demonstrated the effectiveness of integrating family planning with economic empowerment for young people. “What this project has shown is that when health interventions are combined with economic empowerment, the impact goes beyond service uptake to changing mindsets and behaviour,” she said.

Ms Masalla said lessons from the initiative have directly informed the design of a follow-up programme, Kijana Kwanza, which will run from March 2026 to September 2027 with a stronger focus on public sector strengthening and long-term sustainability. “Kijana Kwanza will build on these lessons by strengthening public systems so that youth-friendly services continue even after project funding ends,” she said.

For many young people across Zanzibar, she added, the legacy of Start Small extends beyond improved access to family planning services. “The real legacy is empowering young people to understand the link between their health, opportunities and the choices they make about their future,” Ms Masalla said.

On her part, Deputy Director of Preventive Services at the Ministry of Health Zanzibar, Dr Fatma Mohammed Kabole, said the Start Small project has contributed significantly to strengthening youth-friendly services across the islands. “Start Small has demonstrated the importance of providing accessible and non-judgemental sexual and reproductive health services to young people.

The Ministry appreciates the integrated approach that combines family planning with economic empowerment, because it addresses the real-life challenges faced by adolescents and young people.” She said the Ministry is committed to sustaining the gains made through the project, particularly by ensuring that public health facilities continue to offer youth-friendly services.

“Government facilities have been strengthened through mentorship and capacity building, and we are working to ensure that these improvements are maintained. We will continue to support youth-friendly spaces, strengthen provider competence and promote accurate information to reduce stigma.

” Dr Kabole also highlighted the need for male involvement and community support to further improve uptake of family planning services among young people. “Engaging men and community leaders is essential in ensuring that young women and girls can access services without fear or discrimination.

We encourage all stakeholders, including families, religious leaders and community groups, to support youth empowerment and to work together to create an environment where young people can make informed choices about their health and futures.” .

Dodoma. Tanzania’s Parliament will on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, open its second sitting, with five major developments expected during the two-week session.

It will be the first sitting of the 13th Parliament under Speaker Mussa Azzan Zungu with a fully constituted government, including a Prime Minister, Attorney General (AG) and all Cabinet ministers. When President Samia Suluhu Hassan inaugurated the 13th Parliament on November 13, 2025, the government had not yet appointed ministers.

AG Hamza Johari was already in office, while Dr Mwigulu Nchemba was later appointed Prime Minister. Among the key items expected is debate on President Hassan’s inaugural address, as well as the first Prime Minister’s Question and Answers session since Dr Nchemba assumed the role.

In the 12th Parliament, former Premier Kassim Majaliwa served as government exwcutive, while Dr Nchemba was Minister for Finance. Question and Answers session to the premier is provided for under parliamentary standing orders.

Another item will be the swearing-in of two newly elected MPs, Dr Godwin Mollel (Siha) and Ms Asha Hussein Saleh (Fuoni), both from CCM, following by-elections held on December 30, 2025, after the original polls were postponed due to the death of candidates. The fourth agenda item is the confirmation or election of three parliamentary committee chairpersons.

On Sunday, January 25, 2026, CCM’s Central Committee, chaired by President Samia, endorsed three nominees: Deodatus Mwanyika, Cecilia Pareso and Najma Murtaza Giga, currently chairing standing parliamentary committees. Mr Mwanyika heads the Industries, Trade, Agriculture and Livestock Committee, Ms Pareso chairs the Subsidiary Legislation Committee, while Ms Giga leads the Foreign Affairs, Defence and Security Committee.

In the 12th Parliament under former Speaker Dr Tulia Ackson, Mr Mwanyika and Ms Giga served as parliamentary chairpersons, while Ms Pareso was a special seats MP for Chadema before later joining CCM and being appointed an MP by the President. The fifth item will be a Speaker’s statement on the deaths of two MPs, Ms Jenista Mhagama (Peramiho), who died on December 11, 2025, at Benjamin Mkapa Hospital in Dodoma following heart complications, and Ms Halima Idd Nassor, a special seats MP who died on January 18, 2026, at Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac Institute (JKCI) in Dar es Salaam.

Ms Mhagama had represented Peramiho for 20 years since 2005 and served in several ministerial positions. In her inaugural address, President Hassan emphasised the implementation of the National Development Vision 2025/50, focusing on inclusivity, prosperity, justice and prioritising employment-intensive sectors and infrastructure projects.

She also addressed post-election violence, urging patience as a commission of inquiry was formed, a process she said has since been completed. The President pledged to maintain close engagement with the youth, including the creation of a dedicated ministry.

Mpanda Rural MP, and Infrastructure Committee chairperson, Mr Seleman Kakoso, CCM, said MPs would give strong attention to the President’s address, noting it contained important national directives. He said key discussion areas would include healthcare, youth employment, including small-scale mining, and infrastructure development.

“We will focus on issues that directly affect citizens, such as hospital detention of bodies, universal health insurance, and major infrastructure projects including high-speed rail to open up the country,” said Mr Kakoso. A veteran MP and former minister, who requested anonymity, urged lawmakers to exercise caution in their contributions to avoid alienating voters or contradicting government priorities.

“You cannot praise everything and still represent voters honestly, but excessive criticism also creates tension. MPs must balance carefully,” said the MP.

Retirees Association coordinator, Mr Ezekiel Oluoch said the country remained wounded following the general election and urged MPs to avoid hypocrisy and focus on national healing. “There is a deep fracture in the nation arising from election grievances.

Parliament must guide the government to compensate victims and address unresolved concerns,” said Mr Oluoch. He cited the leadership example of former President Ali Hassan Mwinyi, who resigned as Minister for Home Affairs following violence in Shinyanga, saying accountability should not be feared.

Legal and Human Rights Centre (LHRC) executive director, Dr Anna Henga, said parliamentary debates should prioritise healing and national reconciliation. She referred to public sentiments expressed during the funeral of Chadema founder and first Bank of Tanzania governor Edwin Mtei, who died on January 19, 2026, in Tengeru, Arusha.

During the funeral on January 24, political leaders from both government and opposition, including Prime Minister, Dr Nchemba representing President Hassan called for national healing. Dr Henga said Parliament should create space for open dialogue to allow citizens to express grievances and rebuild trust.

“We want MPs to avoid political grandstanding and instead promote genuine national dialogue so the country can heal,” she said. .

Tanga. Nearly one-third of bridges in Handeni Rural District, Tanga Region, are in poor condition and pose a serious threat to residents’ lives, particularly during the rainy season, The Citizen has established.

A three-month investigation by The Citizen has found that rains, which farmers traditionally regard as a blessing, have instead become a source of fear, disrupted communication and interrupted social and economic activities in several villages. The situation is largely driven by the deteriorating condition of bridge infrastructure, with many structures either dilapidated or built as temporary facilities, rendering them unsafe.

In some areas, there are no bridges at all, only makeshift crossings built using trees, timber and logs, conditions that significantly heighten risks during the rainy season. Data from the Tanzania Rural and Urban Roads Agency (Tarura), Handeni District, show that 70 percent of bridges in the district have been repaired, while 30 percent remain in a dilapidated state.

Tarura Handeni District manager Judica Makyao acknowledged the challenge, saying, “Seventy percent of bridges in this district have been repaired. The remaining ones, including the Mligazi River Bridge, are at the assessment stage.

Due to financial constraints, we are forced to prioritise areas with the most urgent needs.” The danger intensifies during the rainy season, when residents are forced to rely on informal crossings to traverse rivers.

Villages such as Kwasunga, Miono and Kwamsisi are among the worst affected due to the absence of a bridge over the Mligazi River, which links Handeni and Bagamoyo districts. For rural residents, a bridge is not merely infrastructure, it is the backbone of daily life.

It enables students to reach schools, patients to access healthcare, farmers to transport produce and traders to reach markets beyond their villages. For more than six decades since Mainland Tanzania (Tanganyika) gained independence in 1961, no permanent bridge has been constructed in the area.

Instead, residents have depended on temporary crossings made of trees, timber, logs and soil. Because of the materials used, these structures rot and collapse within a short period, especially during the rainy season.

The Citizen observed the hazardous condition of the crossing, where timber and logs have already decayed, some trees have snapped and support pillars are leaning to one side, posing serious risks to motorcycles and three-wheelers using the route. A resident of Kwamsisi Village, Kauye Semboga, said the absence of a bridge over the Mligazi River has become a major barrier to children’s education.

“I have a child in Form Six. I was compelled to send him to live with his aunt in Miono because during the rainy season he cannot attend school.

Once the temporary crossing collapses, the only alternative route is via Mkata, which is very far,” she said. A resident of Kwekonje in Kwasunga Ward, Ms Hadija Salum, said residents are exhausted from living in constant fear.

“When you cross, you pray to God. If a child or a motorcycle slips, you fall into the river.

During the rainy season, communication is completely cut off. We are tired of living in fear,” she said.

Another resident, Mr Juma Mohamed, said the bridge has become a political tool during election campaigns, with no action taken afterwards. “Leaders come asking for votes, but after elections nothing happens.

We are appealing to President Samia Suluhu Hassan to help us, this problem has persisted for too long,” he said. From residents’ accounts, the Mligazi River Bridge is not simply an infrastructure inconvenience but a threat to lives, education and the local economy.

The lack of a bridge has also undermined economic activities, forcing farmers to sell produce at low prices due to high transport costs. “Even when harvests are good, traders won’t come because of the poor road and bridge.

We sell at a loss. Some farmers have stopped growing cassava because it is no longer profitable.

A full truckload fetches Sh70,000 instead of Sh100,000,” said Malua Said. Poor infrastructure has also contributed to deaths among pregnant women and patients who fail to reach distant health facilities in time.

“I recently buried my own child because of the lack of a bridge. It was during the rainy season in 2022. My daughter was pregnant and began bleeding heavily until she lost consciousness.

She had to be taken to Mkata, but by the time an ambulance reached the dispensary, she had already lost too much blood,” said Ms Pili Mungeni, a resident of Kimbuguru Hamlet in Kwasunga Ward. Another resident of Pozo, Ms Pili Mrisho, claimed that at least three people die each year due to the absence of a bridge, accusing leaders of neglect.

“There is a former MP who even went to Parliament, yet we never heard him raise the bridge issue. People are dying here, but it seems no one cares,” she added.

Kwasunga Village chairperson Ntumbo Mnenga admitted the bridge problem has persisted for many years, noting that efforts by residents and village leaders have stalled due to lack of funds. “This is a long-standing challenge and information about this bridge has reached higher levels.

Leaders are aware and we have been working together with residents. We will continue following up until implementation steps are taken.

We have informed the current MP, who said he has taken up the matter and will raise it in Parliament so that, God willing, it can move to the implementation stage,” he said. Kwasampa Hamlet chairperson in Kwasunga Ward Hussein Kamnama said leaders have yet to receive construction funds from councils, forcing residents to rely on self-help contributions.

“It has been a year since the 2024 local government elections, yet this bridge remains a major concern. It has become a constant topic of discussion in the village.

Some residents have tried to build a wooden crossing while we wait for government funding, at least a temporary solution as we continue waiting for a permanent bridge,” he said. “We have not received funds from higher levels.

Instead, we contributed among ourselves through three village councils: Kwandugwa, Kwanyanje and Kwasunga. Each contributed Sh1 million for construction.

” Tarura Handeni District Tarura manager Judica Makyao said initial technical assessments have already been carried out, confirming the site is suitable for construction. “It is true that the Mligazi River Bridge connecting Bagamoyo and Handeni districts is a major obstacle for residents.

However, a geological survey was conducted to assess the strength of rocks and subsurface layers to ensure the bridge to be built will be safe,” she said. “After preliminary assessments, we found that the bridge spans more than 50 metres and cannot be designed at the district level.

Its design is therefore being handled by Tarura headquarters. We submitted requests in 2022 and I believe it is now a matter of following up on progress.

” Ms Makyao explained that a rural road improvement project involving community participation and the opening up of social and economic opportunities (RISE) is at the final design stage and, once completed, will include the bridge. “If it is completed early and on schedule, we hope the challenge of this bridge and the road as a whole will be resolved,” she said, adding that the first phase of the SindeniKwedikwazu road (38km) and MichungwaniKwadoya road (19km) are at the final stage of preliminary design, while the second phase will include the Mligazi Bridge and its access road.

The manager further noted that tenders have been advertised for the MkataKwasunga (21km), KabukuMzungi (18km) and KwachagaKwamkonje (10.1km) roads, but contractors have yet to be secured. Ms Makyao also said Tarura was facing budget constraints and is therefore awaiting government funding.

“At Tarura, we prioritise the most critical needs. For example, bridges at Mchafu River, Mbabwi River and Gole are given higher priority because they have been causing accidents and loss of life,” she said.

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Dar es Salaam. The Universal Health Insurance (UHI) scheme officially starts today, Monday, January 26, 2026, to ensure that every Tanzanian can access healthcare services without financial barriers.

The scheme is being implemented under the Universal Health Insurance Act, 2023, which was passed by Parliament on November 1, 2023, assented to by President Samia Suluhu Hassan on November 19, 2023, and subsequently published in Government Gazette No. 48 of December 1, 2023. With all legal procedures completed, including parliamentary approval, presidential assent, and gazettement, the law now makes health insurance mandatory for every Tanzanian citizen.

A statement by Health Minister, Mr Mohamed Mchengerwa, says the rollout will begin with vulnerable groups, including the elderly, children, pregnant women, and people with disabilities. Their premiums will be covered by the government, with monitoring conducted through fingerprint and facial recognition systems to prevent fraud.

Last week, the minister delegated implementation responsibilities to regional commissioners across the country, giving them direct accountability within their respective areas of jurisdiction. Speaking during a working session attended by regional administrative secretaries, district commissioners, district executive secretaries, and council directors, Mr Mchengerwa said the first phase of implementation would coincide with the introduction of an essential healthcare benefits package.

He said the package would be provided through health insurance schemes, targeting vulnerable groups to ensure they receive medical services without financial hardship. “The price of this package is Sh150,000 per household of up to six members, and it follows the referral system within health facilities contracted by health insurance schemes,” said Mr Mchengerwa.

“This is not the work of a single ministry; it is a national commitment to our citizens. The success of this programme will be measured not by speeches or directives, but by the number of people protected from medical costs and able to access dignified healthcare,” added Mr Mchengerwa.

In addition to the basic package, the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF), which will oversee the scheme, has prepared additional packages based on members’ ability to pay. For a household of six, the Tarangire package costs Sh796,560; Ngorongoro Sh1,684,800; Mikumi Sh2,621,760; Serengeti Sh3,880,800, while the highest package, Tanzanite, costs Sh11,162,640. NHIF has provided detailed explanations on how the UHI scheme will operate, including registration procedures and the costs of different packages for households of up to six members.

The basic package, which covers 277 services, allows a household head to pay either in a lump sum or through mobile money, starting with as little as Sh14,000, followed by incremental deductions until the full Sh150,000 premium is settled. In an exclusive interview with The Citizen’s sister newspaper, Mwananchi, held on December 22, 2025, NHIF Director General, Dr Irene Isaka, said the UHI scheme implementation had already begun.

She said the systems were fully operational and tested, allowing citizens to self-register, employers to enrol their workers, and contributions to be paid online. According to Dr Isaka, the foundation of the scheme is the essential healthcare package costing Sh150,000 per year for a household of up to six people, enabling members to access essential treatment at primary healthcare levels, in line with the referral system.

“Households that cannot afford to pay will be identified through Tasaf (Tanzania Social Action Fund), and supported by the government. Beneficiaries will start enjoying services immediately once implementation begins,” she said.

The second tier involves mandatory contributions for the formal sector, both public and private, where three percent is deducted from the employee, and another three percent is contributed by the employer, bringing the total to six percent. The third tier is voluntary, targeting the informal sector, whereas NHIF will collaborate with providers such as Jubilee, Strategy, Assembly, and NSSF, which offer their own insurance packages.

Some experts said on Sunday, January 25, 2026, the launch of universal health insurance marks a major shift in the country’s healthcare system, but its success will depend on adequate preparation. “In principle, this is a good programme for social equity.

The challenge will be whether health facilities can handle a large number of patients without delays or compromised service quality,” said Tanzania Medical Association president, Dr Mugisha Nkoronko. Dr Nkoronko said doctors would like to see all citizens contribute to the fund, noting that without broad participation, the scheme would not achieve meaningful results.

“It is important to research so health economists can determine how much, on average, one person needs for healthcare per year, and ensure everyone contributes in one way or another so funds flow directly into the pool,” he said. Health economists also say the scheme could reduce poverty caused by medical expenses if well managed.

“Many households fall into debt due to healthcare costs. Universal health insurance can change this, but transparency in contributions and payments to service providers is crucial,” said economist Ms Catherine Mwinuka.

Some residents interviewed expressed optimism, while others called for greater clarity on how the scheme will operate. A Temeke resident in Dar es Salaam, Ms Asha Mohammed, said: “If the costs are truly affordable and services are provided smoothly, this will help us greatly, especially those of us with children.

” A petty trader based in Mwanza, Mr Juma Selemani, said he supports the initiative but remains cautious about implementation. “We have heard good plans before, but challenges often come during execution.

We hope this starts with transparency and quality service,” he said. The government says it is committed to ensuring effective implementation of the scheme through collaboration between NHIF and private healthcare providers.

Public education campaigns will continue to help citizens understand their rights and obligations under the new health insurance system. .

Dar es Salaam. Taifa Gas has launched a programme aimed at promoting tourism and environmental conservation through a Mount Kilimanjaro climb scheduled for January 2031, 2026. The initiative, known as Guardians of the Peak (Season Two), is being implemented under the theme “Embrace Clean Energy, Protect Tomorrow” and combines mountain tourism with environmental awareness activities.

In addition to climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, participants will take part in tree planting, climate change education and campaigns promoting the use of clean cooking gas as an alternative to firewood and charcoal, which contribute to environmental degradation. Speaking on the sponsorship, Taifa Gas manager Mr Davis Deogratius, said the programme builds on the company’s long-standing efforts to promote clean cooking energy in order to protect the environment and safeguard public health.

“Through this initiative, Taifa Gas has sponsored students and some of our employees to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, plant trees in various areas of Moshi Municipal Council, provide education on clean cooking energy to groups of women entrepreneurs, and distribute gas cylinders to them,” he said. Mr Deogratius said the company has been at the forefront of supporting government efforts to protect the environment by expanding access to clean cooking energy in both urban and rural areas across the country.

He added that Taifa Gas has received several awards from the government as well as local and international institutions in recognition of its environmental conservation efforts. He noted that the Guardians of the Peak programme also supports the agenda of President Samia Suluhu Hassan to promote clean cooking energy and market Tanzania’s tourism attractions globally.

The second season of Guardians of the Peak brings together youth, environmental and tourism stakeholders, as well as experts who will produce tourism documentaries aimed at promoting Tanzania’s attractions internationally while raising awareness about the conservation of Mount Kilimanjaro. .

Kagera. The Tanzania Agricultural Development Bank (TADB) has disbursed loans amounting to Sh336.3 billion to coffee farmers and livestock keepers in the Kagera Region.

This was stated by the bank’s Business Development Officer overseeing the Kagera Region, Mr Godwin Elisa, during a visit to local coffee farmers and livestock keepers held on the weekend. He noted that out of the funding, Sh315 billion was allocated to coffee farmers, while Sh7.3 billion was disbursed to livestock keepers.

Since TADB started providing the loans, a total of 312,339 farmers and livestock keepers have benefited, enabling them to increase production on their farms and improve livestock rearing. The region has performed well in projects funded by TADB, as farmers have consistently improved production quality year after year, supported by guaranteed markets through cooperatives backed by the bank.

Mr Elisa also said livestock keepers funded through the bank’s Kopa Ng’ombe Lipa Maziwa programme have recorded notable improvements by increasing livestock numbers and adopting commercial farming, helping to alleviate poverty through reliable milk markets supported by TADB. “Currently, TADB has reached farmers and livestock keepers in all districts of Kagera, with a large number of beneficiaries accessing the loans.

The funds have enabled farmers to expand farm infrastructure and increase their livestock numbers,” said Mr Elisa. He said that through the loans, coffee farmers have been producing high-quality coffee, which now commands a strong market both locally and internationally.

Furthermore, Mr Elisa said many residents are eager to grow coffee due to rising prices, which have reached Sh5,000 per kilogram compared to previous years. “When we started, the price of coffee was Sh800 per kilogram, but since our involvement, prices have continued to rise year after year, prompting many people in Kagera to take up the crop,” he said.

“Coffee contributes significantly to the income of the Kagera Region as the main cash crop. The price increase has therefore encouraged many farmers to cultivate it, as coffee farming is now far more profitable than in the past,” added Mr Elisa.

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Dodoma. The minister for Health, Mr Mohamed Mchengerwa, has directed regional medical officers to step up surveillance, screening and follow-up of leprosy patients as Tanzania intensifies efforts to eliminate the disease by 2030. Speaking during the commemoration of World Leprosy Day on Sunday, January 25, 2026, Mr Mchengerwa said regional and council health authorities must ensure that all households in areas where cases are detected are closely monitored, with family members screened and those eligible given preventive treatment to break the chain of transmission.

“I ask the regional medical officers to ensure that all households in areas where new leprosy patients are detected are monitored, that all household members are screened, and that all those suffering from leprosy are identified and receive treatment,” he said. Tanzania has achieved the World Health Organisation benchmark for eliminating leprosy in 2006. According to the minister, the number of new leprosy cases in Tanzania has fallen by 37 percent over the past decade, from 2,297 in 2015 to 1,439 in 2025. However, some councils were yet to meet the target and continued to account for a significant proportion of cases.

According to Mr Mchengerwa, 12 councils contributed 71 percent of the 1,439 new cases recorded nationwide in 2025. These are Liwale, Mtama, Lindi Municipality, Ruangwa, Morogoro, Mvomero, Ifakara Town, Mlimba, Mkinga, Muheza, Kibaha and Shinyanga Municipal councils as areas of concern. He added that councils must also trace patients by their residence and share information with relevant regions where patients originate to ensure proper follow-up of affected families.

Mr Mchengerwa also warned that stigma and harmful beliefs remain major barriers to eradication, urging communities to reject the misconception that leprosy is caused by curses or inheritance. This year’s World Leprosy Day is being observed under the theme End stigma, strengthen the dignity of leprosy patients, which emphasises early detection, timely treatment and greater public awareness to prevent transmission and disability.

Mr Mchengerwa said leprosy is fully treatable and curable, with all treatment funded by the government and provided free of charge. “If a patient is diagnosed and treated early, they recover without complications and cannot transmit the disease again,” he said.

He added that the government, under President Samia Suluhu Hassan, is implementing a national strategy aligned with global targets to achieve zero transmission by 2030. Among key measures, he cited public education, integration of leprosy interventions into local health programmes and expanded household screening. Others are guaranteed access to free medicines, continued research and improved care for people living with disabilities caused by the disease.

Mr Mchengerwa also urged journalists to play a proactive role in disseminating accurate information to help combat stigma and misinformation surrounding leprosy. He commended health workers across the country for their efforts and called for collaboration among government, communities and the media to ensure leprosy is no longer a public health threat in Tanzania.

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Tanga. The Bank of Tanzania (BoT) has warned the public, particularly women, against storing money in their bras, saying the practice damages banknotes and forces the government to incur extra costs printing replacements before their lifespan expires.

Apart from being kept in bras, folding money into the corners of kangas or pieces of cloth also causes notes to bend, wear out, and deteriorate more quickly. The warning was issued on Sunday, January 25, 2026, by a senior officer from the National Payment Systems Directorate, Mr Kidee Mshihiri.

Mr Mshihiri made the call when addressing journalists during the National Financial Services Week, which concludes on Monday, January 26, 2026. He said if the habit of storing money in bras continues, more banknotes will be damaged prematurely, increasing the financial burden on the government, which could otherwise channel those resources into priority development sectors. “Money is the backbone of the economy.

Without it, a country cannot move forward,” he said. He urged the public to handle and store money properly, including keeping it in wallets as men do, and to promote financial education in communities, noting that the challenge requires collective effort and greater public awareness.

“I appeal to all Tanzanians to take good care of our money in the right way, and anyone who understands this should help educate others because the problem is serious and requires urgent action from the community,” he added. He also cautioned people who attend celebrations and social events against throwing money on the ground or sticking it onto a celebrant’s forehead, saying such practices damage banknotes and increase costs for the government.

“It is better to use proper containers for keeping money during ceremonies. Many people do this out of ignorance, but the truth is that it destroys the notes and later costs the government,” he said.

BoT Public Relations Officer, Ms Graciana Mahega, said many visitors to the bank’s exhibition booth showed strong interest in financial literacy, including investing in government bonds and understanding borrowing procedures to avoid informal lenders. One of the visitors, Mr Godrichi Mgamu, said he gained a better understanding of how to invest in government bonds, noting that he previously had capital but failed to invest due to a lack of adequate knowledge.

Another visitor, Ms Bahati Mohamedi, said: “Money does not belong to one person alone; today it is yours, tomorrow it belongs to someone else. When it gets damaged, it becomes a risk to the entire nation.

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Dar es Salaam. The East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) and the Rural Energy Agency (REA) have signed a Sh7.5 billion agreement to provide electricity to villages along the 1,443-kilometre pipeline route across eight regions in Tanzania.

The deal, formalised over the weekend in Dar es Salaam, will benefit communities affected by the pipeline project while promoting environmental conservation. Electricity distribution will begin in Kagera and continue to Tanga, reaching more than 17,000 streets and neighbourhoods through the Hamlet Electrification Initiative.

EACOP Tanzania Managing Director Mr Guillaume Dulout said the initiative aims to support local residents, who he described as part of the EACOP family. “Since electricity is used to pump oil through our pipeline, it is necessary to provide free electricity to communities along the route,” he said.

REA director general Hassan Saidy said the programme will also reduce reliance on firewood and charcoal, which contribute to environmental degradation, while supporting local livelihoods. The project will run for five years, with EACOP contributing Sh2.5 billion annually and REA Sh5 billion each year.

EACOP Tanzania Legal Manager Mr Stanley Mabiti said the initiative will spur small-scale industries, increase household incomes and advance Tanzania’s National Development Vision 2050, which seeks universal access to clean energy for households and economic activities. “This project aligns with our goal to improve the well-being of communities along the pipeline through energy, schools, water and other essential services,” he said.

EACOP is owned by TotalEnergies (62 percent), Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation and Uganda National Oil Company (15 percent each), and CNOOC (8 percent). In Tanzania, the pipeline passes through Kagera, Geita, Shinyanga, Tabora, Singida, Dodoma, Manyara and Tanga.

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Arusha. Tanzania has launched a new digital platform, Ongea na Waziri, enabling citizens to submit feedback and complaints directly to the Minister for Health in a move aimed at strengthening transparency and accountability in the health sector.

The platform was officially unveiled on Monday, January 26, 2026, by the Minister for Health, Mr Mohamed Mchengerwa, during a ceremony held at Mount Meru Regional Referral Hospital in Arusha. The initiative is designed to give citizens a direct voice in assessing the quality of healthcare services while supporting evidence-based improvements in national health policies.

Mr Mchengerwa said the system is built on the principles of accountability, transparency and public participation, noting that regular feedback from service users will help the Ministry continuously review and strengthen health policies and service delivery mechanisms. Through the platform, citizens can communicate directly with the Ministry of Health via a 24-hour toll-free hotline (199), as well as through WhatsApp, SMS and social media channels, ensuring accessibility for both urban and rural communities.

“We will listen to citizens with respect and respond to their concerns in a timely manner,” said the minister. “This is a national system that must be interoperable, secure and capable of protecting the privacy of Tanzanians.

A health system whose data cannot communicate cannot be improved effectively. Technology will no longer be optional; it will be embedded in our day-to-day operations.

” He said the Ministry would establish clear standards for data governance, information security and institutional accountability, while integrating digital health systems to ensure patient information can securely follow patients, with consent and in line with good governance principles. According to Mr Mchengerwa, the platform will help address citizens’ challenges more efficiently, enable leaders to make timely and well-informed decisions, and strengthen public trust in the Ministry of Health.

He also pledged to set aside one day every month to personally listen to citizens’ concerns and feedback through the platform. The minister further announced plans to institutionalise an Annual National Health Forum, to be held once a year over three days.

He said the forum would bring together health sector stakeholders, showcase innovative health technologies and recognise outstanding health workers and institutions through awards. The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health, Dr Seif Shekilaghe, said the platform would make it easier for citizens, including those in remote areas, to submit feedback and report challenges using simple digital tools.

Studies, he added, consistently show that communities are more satisfied and more willing to contribute constructive ideas when they are actively engaged and listened to. Earlier, Arusha Regional Commissioner Mr Amos Makalla said the initiative reflects President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s vision of bringing public services closer to citizens by enabling direct communication with leaders and strengthening accountability among public servants in the health sector.

Meanwhile, the Medical Officer in Charge of Mount Meru Regional Referral Hospital, Dr Alex Ernest, said the facility currently serves between 700 and 1,000 outpatients and 200 to 300 inpatients, providing care to about 2.3 million residents of Arusha Region.

He said the hospital’s monthly revenue has increased from Sh200 million to Sh1 billion, while the availability of essential medicines has reached 98 per cent of demand. To ease congestion, he added, the hospital has introduced an online appointment booking system, significantly improving efficiency and patient experience.

Dr Ernest said the hospital has also adopted mobile communication technologies to enhance service coordination–achievements that have contributed to Mount Meru Hospital attaining Level Four international accreditation from SafeCare, making it the only hospital in Tanzania to receive the highest level of certification. .