MWE Correspondent
The World Health Organization (WHO) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening health cooperation with Tanzania following the official appointment of Dr. Alex Ntale Gasasira as the organization’s new Representative in the country.
Dr. Gasasira formally presented his credentials on October 14, 2025, to Cosato Chumi, Tanzania’s Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, marking the start of what both sides hope will be a new era of closer collaboration in advancing public health.
Conveying warm greetings from WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus and the WHO Regional Director for Africa, Prof. Mohamed Yakub Janabi, Dr. Gasasira praised Tanzania’s continued efforts in improving healthcare delivery and social development. He assured the government of WHO’s readiness to provide both technical and strategic support in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
“It is a great honor to serve in Tanzania at this crucial moment for global and national health,” Dr. Gasasira said during the ceremony. “Our focus remains on strengthening health systems, enhancing service delivery, and ensuring that every person can enjoy the highest possible standard of health.”
On behalf of the Tanzanian government, Deputy Minister Chumi expressed gratitude for WHO’s longstanding partnership, describing the organization as a trusted ally in the country’s journey toward a resilient and equitable health sector. He emphasized the importance of deepening cooperation to address both emerging health challenges and ongoing priorities such as maternal care, disease prevention, and healthcare access in rural communities.
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Officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Health, and representatives from the WHO Country Office attended the brief ceremony in Dar es Salaam.
Beyond the formalities, Dr. Gasasira’s appointment represents more than just a diplomatic transition — it symbolizes a renewal of shared purpose between Tanzania and WHO. The organization’s presence in the country has been pivotal in areas such as vaccination programs, health emergency preparedness, and community-based health education.
As the new representative settles into his role, expectations are high that his leadership will bring innovation, stronger coordination, and tangible improvements in the country’s health outcomes. Tanzania, like many developing nations, continues to face the dual challenge of communicable diseases and rising non-communicable conditions — making WHO’s technical support essential for sustainable progress.
The collaboration is expected to focus on strengthening public health systems, expanding access to primary healthcare, and advancing efforts toward achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.
In his closing remarks, Dr. Gasasira reiterated WHO’s commitment to walking side by side with the Tanzanian government and its people:
“Our shared mission is simple but powerful — to ensure that every Tanzanian, regardless of where they live, has the opportunity to live a healthy and fulfilling life.”
