Tanzania and the United States have signed a five-year health cooperation Memorandum of Understanding valued at USD 3.1 billion aimed at strengthening and modernising Tanzania’s healthcare system.The agreement combines more than USD 1.8 billion committed by the Government of Tanzania and over USD 1.3 billion expected from the United States, subject to approval by the U.S.Congress.

The partnership focuses on improving key areas such as disease surveillance, digital health infrastructure, laboratory networks, and overall public health preparedness.The MoU was signed in Dar es Salaam in the presence of senior officials from both countries, including U.S.Acting Chargé d’Affaires Jeanne Clark and Tanzania’s Minister of Health Mohammed Mchengerwa.

It aligns with efforts to build more sustainable and self-reliant health systems, strengthening Tanzania’s capacity to finance, manage, and deliver essential health services while improving response to infectious diseases and public health emergencies.

A major component of the agreement is the development of an integrated national digital health system covering clinical services, health financing, supply chains, disease surveillance, and citizen health services.

The cooperation also supports the establishment of the Tanzania National Public Health Institute and strengthens laboratory systems capable of meeting international outbreak response standards, including the 7-1-7 framework for rapid detection and response.Additionally, the programme includes support for malaria elimination efforts in Zanzibar and enhancement of health research and workforce capacity.

The initiative is framed under the United States’ global health security strategy, which aims to improve partner countries’ ability to prevent, detect, and respond to disease outbreaks.

Overall, the agreement is expected to improve healthcare delivery, strengthen health security, and support long-term sustainability of Tanzania’s health sector.