In a bid to enhance infectious disease prevention practices in the Hanang District of the Manyara region in Tanzania after the landslide disaster that occurred in December 2024, Amref Health Africa Tanzania, with support from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), has handed over four handwashing facilities to schools in Hanang District, Manyara Region. The facilities, constructed at a cost of more than USD 15,592, are aimed at strengthening infectious prevention practices at public facilities, in line with guidelines from the Ministry of Health.
During the handover ceremony at Ganana Secondary School in Hanang District, Manyara region, Dr. Florence Temu, Country Director for Amref Health Africa in Tanzania, emphasized the importance of the integrated approach of strengthening Event-Based Surveillance (EBS) and WASH in the district. She highlighted the significant progress made in early warning and response to public health threats in the region, thanks to the support of US-CDC Tanzania.
Dr. Temu also expressed gratitude for the collaboration between Amref Tanzania and US-CDC Tanzania, which has played a crucial role in providing mentorship and sensitization on alert detection and reporting, ultimately leading to the prevention of infectious diseases in the region.
The guest of honor, Dr. Mohamed Kodi, District Medical Officer of the Hanang District Council in the Manyara Region, representing the District Commissioner of Hanang, commended the Government of Tanzania, U.S. CDC Tanzania, and Amref Tanzania for their efforts in supporting the government’s efforts to strengthen the Event-Based Surveillance System and improve the health sector through various health projects in the country. He urged responsible handling of the equipment and emphasized the need for legal action against anyone causing damage or negligence.
Dr. Wangeci Gatei, the Director of the Division of Global Health Protection at the U.S Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), reiterated the commitment of CDC Tanzania to
strengthening infectious prevention practices in Tanzania through collaborative efforts with the government and local partners. She emphasized the goal of assisting the Government of Tanzania in complying with the International Health Regulations (2005) through the Global Health Security Agenda (GHSA) 2024 targets.
Representatives from the Ministry of Health, U.S. CDC, Amref Tanzania, local government officials, community health care workers, teachers, and students attended the handover ceremony. The collaboration between Amref Tanzania and the U.S. CDC aims to strengthen infectious prevention practices at public facilities and contribute to the overall improvement of public health in the region.
In the wake of the devastating mudslide in the Manyara region, which left thousands displaced and caused numerous casualties, Amref Tanzania, with support from U.S CDC Tanzania, continues collaborating on WASH practices to prevent infectious diseases in Hanang District. Including strengthening the integration between EBS and WASH at various levels and providing support for early warning and response to public health threats in the region.
Written by: Julieth Mongi Communications Officer – Amref Tanzania