Dar es Salaam. The Tanzania Non-Communicable Diseases Alliance (TANCDA) has called on Tanzanians to adopt healthier lifestyles, urging citizens to move more, eat wisely, and prioritise their mental well-being as part of a national push to achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
A health and fitness expert at TANCDA, Dr Waziri Ndonde made the appeal during the official launch of the Smart Health Journey, a pioneering initiative set to redefine chronic disease management and telemedicine in Tanzania. “I commend Jubilee Health Insurance, Medikea Clinic, and all our partners for their leadership in championing a healthier, more connected nation,” Dr Ndonde said.
He highlighted that non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as hypertension, diabetes, and cancer remain leading causes of premature death in Tanzania. The Smart Health Journey aligns with the National NCD Action Plan, emphasising prevention, early detection, and cross-sector collaboration.
“This initiative strengthens our Primary Health Care and Digital Health Strategies by promoting integrated, person-centred care for all Tanzanians,” Dr Ndonde added. He stressed the need for a shift from reactive treatment to proactive wellness.
“We must stop seeing people only as patients. They are fathers, mothers, professionals, and leaders who need strong health to fulfil their purpose,” he said.
“Physical activity, good nutrition, and mental wellness are simple yet powerful tools. When people move more, eat wisely, and care for their mental health, they live not only longer but better.
” By integrating lifestyle coaching, digital follow-ups, peer support, and mental wellness, the initiative extends healthcare beyond hospitals into homes, workplaces, and communities. Head of Wellness and Corporate Relations at Medikea Health, Dr Lilian Valerian said the Smart Health Journey represents a healthcare revolution.
“We are shifting from a system that waits for illness to one that walks with people through every step of their health journey,” she said. “At Medikea Afya App Limited, our vision is simple but powerful: to make healthcare accessible, continuous, and compassionate.
” The initiative, in partnership with Jubilee Health Insurance, uses a Telemedicine Platform designed to remove barriers of distance and time, offering every client instant access to qualified doctors and specialists. “Telemedicine is not the future; it is the present,” Dr Valerian said.
“It allows us to reach people who once felt out of reach and provides continuous care for chronic conditions such as diabetes and hypertension.” The platform, developed collaboratively with patients, clinicians, and care teams, addresses real-life needs including treatment adherence, emotional support, and overall quality of life.
“We are already seeing tangible results — better disease control, earlier detection of complications, and fewer hospital admissions. That’s real impact, and it’s only the beginning,” Dr Valerian added.
The initiative aims to enrol over one million subscribers in its chronic disease management programme by 2030. It combines data, digital infrastructure, and personalised care to create a system that works for people. “We envision a Tanzania where every citizen can reach a doctor at the touch of a button — where prevention, not crisis, defines healthcare.
Our partnership with Jubilee Health is a statement of intent: Africa’s healthcare transformation will be led by innovation, collaboration, and care that puts people first,” Dr Valerian said. Representing Jubilee Health Insurance, Chief Operating Officer Shaban Salehe added that the Smart Health Journey is a transformative effort to make quality healthcare more accessible, efficient, and inclusive for all Tanzanians .