DAR ES SALAAM: Tanzania has offered to back regional efforts to contain the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda, with a package that includes medical supplies, protective gear for health workers, and technical expertise drawn from its own outbreak response experience.
The commitment was made by Health Minister Mohamed Mchengerwa on behalf of President Samia Suluhu Hassan during a high level meeting bringing together Heads of State, government leaders and development partners to coordinate action against the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola affecting the two countries.
Mchengerwa said Tanzania stands alongside the affected countries as they confront the outbreak, extending condolences to families who have lost loved ones and wishing patients a swift recovery.
He said the country has been steadily building its outbreak readiness through stronger disease surveillance, tighter border screening, improved laboratory capacity, upgraded medical equipment and faster response systems.
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He added that no single country can effectively manage epidemic threats alone, stressing that regional coordination remains critical in preventing cross border spread and strengthening collective health security.
He further urged the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention and member states to improve coordination, speed up resource mobilisation and ensure essential supplies reach affected areas without delay to curb the outbreak and reduce future risks.
Tanzania also commended the leadership of President Évariste Ndayishimiye, the African Union Commission, Africa CDC and the World Health Organization for convening and guiding the joint response.
The meeting brought together Heads of State, health specialists and development partners to shape a coordinated regional response and reinforce health systems across Africa.