TANZANIA — The Minister for Health, Jenista Mhagama, has revealed the distribution of 185 tuberculosis (TB) diagnostic machines across the country to improve the early detection and treatment of the disease.
These machines have been deployed to all 26 regions of mainland Tanzania and two regions in Zanzibar as part of a strategic effort to strengthen healthcare services.
Speaking during the launch of the initiative, Minister Mhagama highlighted the government’s commitment to decentralizing healthcare services.
She emphasized that the move would bring diagnostic services closer to communities, reduce TB transmission, and ensure timely diagnoses for better treatment outcomes.
Additionally, the Minister announced the launch of a special programme targeting 76 councils across nine regions.
This programme aims to identify and support TB patients, particularly in high-risk areas with more prevalent disease.
“This is a milestone in our fight against TB. By bringing diagnostic tools closer to the people, we are not only improving access but also enhancing our ability to prevent the spread of this disease through early detection,” she said.
TB remains a major health challenge in Tanzania, with many cases going undiagnosed due to limited access to testing facilities.
The new diagnostic machines aim to bridge this gap by ensuring reliable testing services are available, even in rural and underserved areas.
This initiative aligns with Tanzania’s broader health objectives, including promoting equitable healthcare access and fighting communicable diseases.
By reducing the distance patients need to travel for TB testing, the Ministry hopes to eliminate treatment delays, which often worsen the spread of the disease.
Minister Mhagama also noted that the initiative places Tanzania as a leader in the regional fight against TB, contributing to global efforts to eliminate the disease as a public health threat by 2030.
“This is not just about machines; it’s about saving lives,” she stated.
“Every citizen deserves timely and effective healthcare, and this initiative brings us one step closer to achieving that vision.”
By combining advanced technology with a wider diagnostic network, Tanzania is setting an example for other nations in addressing TB and other public health challenges
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