Joseph Isangura
The Government has stepped up efforts to protect vulnerable groups by expanding healthcare support for older citizens while urging families and communities to play a more active role in preventing children from ending up on the streets.
More than 1.25 million elderly people have so far benefited from free medical identification cards and health insurance, a move that has eased access to treatment and reduced the financial burden associated with healthcare. The programme forms part of broader national efforts to strengthen social protection systems and ensure that senior citizens can access essential services without hardship.
In addition to healthcare coverage, the State continues to provide care for elderly people living in 13 government-run residential homes across the country. These facilities offer basic but critical services, including food, accommodation, clothing, and medical care. Between 2022 and 2025, the ministry responsible for social welfare has worked closely with various partners to improve conditions in these homes and ensure residents live in safety and dignity.
Speaking to journalists in Dar es Salaam, the Minister for Community Development, Gender, Women and Special Groups, Dr Dorothy Gwajima, said the initiatives are closely aligned with global goals on universal health coverage and the protection of vulnerable populations. She noted that many elderly citizens face isolation, poverty, or chronic illness, making government support crucial to their wellbeing.
While highlighting progress in elderly care, the minister also expressed concern about the continued presence of street children, describing it as a social challenge that requires urgent attention at the family level.
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She stressed that the issue cannot be solved by government institutions alone, but rather through early intervention within households and communities.
Parents and guardians, she said, should remain alert to early warning signs such as persistent disobedience, frequent quarrels between children and caregivers, or changes in behaviour that may indicate deeper problems. Reporting such signs early allows social welfare officers to step in with counselling, mediation, or other forms of support before a child becomes disconnected from family life.
“The family is the foundation of society and the first line of protection for every child,” the minister said, adding that prevention is far more effective than rehabilitation once a child has already been exposed to life on the streets.
The Government continues to roll out programmes focused on child protection, family counselling, and community awareness, targeting underlying causes such as poverty, domestic conflict, and weak parental support. These efforts are in line with international standards, including the principles outlined in the Convention on the Rights of the Child, which emphasise the responsibility of families and states to safeguard children’s welfare.
Analysts say the dual focus on elderly welfare and children’s rights reflects a broader commitment to inclusive social development. By strengthening healthcare systems, expanding health insurance coverage, and encouraging community participation, authorities believe the country can build a more supportive environment for both the young and the old.
