MWE Correspondent
Tanzania has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening international cooperation in global health, calling for renewed urgency in pandemic preparedness and response as the world grapples with recent outbreaks of diseases including Ebola and Hantavirus.
Speaking in Geneva during the 79th World Health Assembly (World Health Assembly 79th session) on May 19, 2026, Tanzania’s Minister for Health Mohammed Mchengerwa said the country remains committed to working closely with the World Health Organization and other member states to advance global health security and ensure equitable access to healthcare systems worldwide.
The minister stressed that the current global health environment demands stronger unity among nations, warning that future outbreaks will require faster coordination, better preparedness systems, and fair distribution of medical resources.
“This is a critical moment that calls for greater solidarity, equity and collective responsibility among member states to strengthen pandemic preparedness and response,” Mchengerwa said, emphasizing that no country can effectively respond to global health threats alone.
His remarks come at a time when international health systems are still assessing lessons learned from recent outbreaks and preparing for emerging threats. Global health experts have repeatedly warned that climate change, urbanization, population movement, and conflict zones are increasing the risk of infectious disease spread across borders.
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During the high-level discussions, Tanzania expressed support for ongoing reforms of the global health architecture, including efforts to improve coordination between countries, strengthen early warning systems, and enhance emergency response capacity under the leadership of the World Health Organization.
Officials also highlighted Tanzania’s domestic progress in key health indicators, noting steady improvements in reducing maternal mortality and enhancing child health outcomes through expanded access to healthcare services, vaccination programs, and community health initiatives.
For many developing countries, including Tanzania, participation in global health governance discussions is seen as critical in ensuring that international policies reflect local realities and address inequalities in access to medical technologies, funding, and emergency support.
Health experts attending the assembly noted that recent outbreaks in Africa and other regions have underscored the importance of investing in resilient health systems capable of detecting and responding to epidemics before they escalate into wider crises.
The WHA79 meeting, which opened on May 18, 2026, and is scheduled to conclude on May 23, 2026, brings together health ministers, policymakers, and global health leaders to discuss pressing issues ranging from pandemic preparedness and financing to universal health coverage and disease prevention strategies.
