Posted on :Tuesday , 2nd July 2024

The World Health Organization (WHO), with funding from the UN Multi-Partner Trust Fund Office, has contributed supplies and equipment to the Kigoma Region of Tanzania in order to improve WASH and infection prevention control (IPC) at medical facilities, as well as preparedness and response against epidemics.

This is a component of the UN Kigoma Joint Programme's endeavors to strengthen human health security in Kigoma through cooperative efforts with communities, local and regional government officials, and other relevant parties.

During the handover ceremony, Dr. Jairos Hiliza, the Public Health Officer at WHO, emphasized the organization's dedication to guaranteeing the safety of people's health in Tanzania, especially in the Kigoma region. He stated that the overarching objective is to guarantee that everyone participates in the health for all agenda, in addition to fortifying the region's health readiness system.

"WHO seeks to strengthen the healthcare system and increase its capacity to withstand medical emergencies. As we work to ensure that Tanzania has universal access to healthcare, our unwavering support for the area does not falter.

Tanzania's Kigoma Region is one of the areas that borders other nations.

The health officer for the region, Mr. Nesphory Sungu, expressed appreciation for the provided equipment. "Our health facility lacked some of these essential IPC/WASH supplies and equipment," he said. I express my gratitude to WHO for its unwavering support. In the end, this funding will enable us to enhance public health and guarantee the delivery of secure services for patients and healthcare professionals alike.

According to Dr. Ibrahim Saleh, manager of the Public Health Emergency Operating Center (PHEOC) in the Kigoma Region, the emergency operation center's equipment will be crucial in starting the center's operationalization and providing services to the local population.

"We're glad to have these supplies and tools, as they demonstrate excellent coordination and cooperation with our partners, especially WHO, who have worked together to guarantee the area is safe from illness and medical emergencies," the speaker said.

The Kigoma Joint Programme (KJP) integrates several areas to enhance human security and development in Kigoma. The initiative, which encompassed seventeen UN agencies, was created in collaboration with the regional authority taking into account the UN's capabilities in Tanzania as well as the requirements of the Kigoma population.

The World Health Organization (WHO) spearheads the program's health and nutrition theme and assists in executing multiple WASH, emergency, and health system enhancement initiatives.