The Africa Centre for Disease Control (Africa CDC) has unveiled an ambitious $360 million five-year plan to revolutionize community health systems in Tanzania, with the goal of advancing universal health coverage (UHC) and reducing preventable deaths by 2030.
This initiative, set to be phased in from 2024 to 2028, will serve as a model for other African countries seeking to bolster their healthcare systems.
The Head of the Community Health Division at Africa CDC, Dr. James Guwani, emphasized the importance of this plan during an international workshop in Dar es Salaam.
“The Integrated and Coordinated Community Health Workers (iCCHW) programme is essential for scaling up life-saving interventions. This initiative aims to ensure nationwide coverage of critical health services, especially in underserved regions,” he said.
The first year of the initiative will see a $40 million investment to establish the iCCHW program, setting the stage for a comprehensive expansion of community health worker (CHW) services.
The program aligns with Tanzania’s national health goals, which prioritize maternal and child health, improved sanitation, and tackling non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
The Director of Preventive Services in Tanzania’s Ministry of Health, Dr. Ntuli Kapologwe, noted that the iCCHW initiative is a cornerstone of the country’s broader health transformation strategy.
“This program will greatly contribute to our national development by addressing key health challenges and improving overall well-being,” he said.
He further stressed that universal health coverage, currently below 66%, can only be achieved with better integration and coordination of CHWs.
The plan has gained the full support of the Union and Zanzibar health ministries, as well as the President’s Office for Regional Administration and Local Government.
In Zanzibar, where CHWs have played a pivotal role in disease detection and response, including making the island measles-free, a training program for 3,000 CHWs is already underway.
Zanzibar’s Director of Preventive Services, Dr. Salim Slim highlighted the need for additional resources and advocacy to ensure the program’s success.
A community health specialist at Africa CDC, Dr. Barnabas Yeboah, called for a focus on sustainability. “Institutionalizing and integrating community health programs is crucial for long-term success. We need strong political commitment, global support, and sustainable financing,” he said.
The success of the plan hinges on high-level advocacy, resource mobilization, and effective training for the CHW workforce.
In addition to its immediate impact on Tanzania, the Africa CDC’s plan has broader implications for the continent. By creating a replicable model for community health programs, this initiative could serve as a blueprint for other African nations looking to strengthen their healthcare systems, particularly in rural and underserved areas.
