April 2025 - Tanzania
Uniting to Combat NTDs proudly partnered with Tanzania's neglected tropical disease (NTD) programme and Ministry of Health in recent discussions aimed at advancing sustainable domestic and innovative financing for NTD elimination.
The NTD Programme team shared key insights into their efforts to control and eliminate NTDs, highlighting successes achieved through interventions like mass drug administration (MDA) and morbidity management. The team also addressed the significant challenges posed by funding gaps, particularly following the recent freeze in USAID funding, which directly impacted their programmes, and declining Official Development Assistance.
Pictured above: standing: Members of the Tanzanian NTD Programme Team. And seating, from left to right: Dr. Otilia Gowelle, Director for Preventive Services at the Ministry of Health, Dr. Isatou Touray, Uniting's Executive Director, and Dr. Clarer Jones Mwansasu, NTD Manager.
In response to these funding constraints, Tanzania showcased how they are proactively exploring domestic resource mobilisation. The team outlined plans to integrate NTD funding into Comprehensive Council Health Plans and medium-term expenditure frameworks, as well as optimising resources through integrated MDA campaigns and the strategic use of community health workers. Further demonstrating Tanzania's commitment to country ownership and sustainable solutions.
A subsequent high-level meeting with Her Excellency, Jenista Mhagama, the Tanzanian Minister of Health [pictured at the top of this page with Uniting's Executive Director, Dr Isatou Touray], focused on leveraging innovative financing mechanisms, with a strong emphasis on accessing support through the World Bank's IDA21 funding. Uniting committed to providing ongoing support to Tanzania in navigating the IDA21 application process, including via webinars and capacity-building initiatives.
Uniting’s key takeaways from these meetings include:
- Country Ownership in Action: Tanzania is taking concrete steps to transition from donor dependence to domestic financing, showcasing leadership in sustainable NTD control.
- Innovative Financing is Essential: Exploring mechanisms like IDA21 is crucial to bridge funding gaps and ensure continued progress towards NTD elimination.
- Strategic Partnerships are Vital: Uniting's collaboration with Tanzania demonstrates the power of partnerships in supporting countries to mobilise resources and achieve their elimination goals.
Uniting will continue to work closely with Tanzania and other endemic countries to advocate for increased resource mobilisation and innovative financing strategies, and to showcase the significant global return on investment from investing in NTD programmes. Thus ensuring that the remarkable progress achieved against NTDs is sustained and accelerated, not lost.