DAR ES SALAAM, April 7 (Xinhua) -- The World Health Organization (WHO) on Friday commended Tanzania for achievements the East African nation has made in the health sector, including protecting people from diseases and destruction.
In a statement to celebrate 75 years of the UN health organization, the WHO commended Tanzania for eradicating diseases, saving millions of lives through childhood immunization, reducing maternal mortality, and improving health and well-being.
"As WHO reaches 75 years since its establishment, there is so much to celebrate in Tanzania's achievements in the health sector," said the statement, adding that Tanzania joined the WHO in 1962.
The statement issued by the WHO Tanzania office said the UN Assembly declared in 1974 that developing nations should introduce nationwide vaccination programs to control vaccine-preventable diseases, and Tanzania was one of the first adopters of the program in sub-Saharan Africa.
The WHO Tanzania has worked with the Ministry of Health and partners to intensify the prevention, control, and elimination of selected neglected conditions, including accelerating the implementation of policies and strategies designed to achieve targets set by various resolutions, it said.
"More than 30 million people in Tanzania are now free from developing disabilities from Lymphatic Filariasis infection," said the statement, adding that more than 20 million people are saved from going blind due to trachoma eye infection.
The statement said the WHO and partners have provided technical assistance since the 1950s that has resulted in controlling malaria in Zanzibar.
It said Tanzania has also made achievements in emergency preparedness and response, health financing, primary health care, the fight against HIV/AIDS, and the treatment of tuberculosis.
However, it said despite these achievements, Tanzania continues to face inequities in access to health services as well as threats from health-harming products and the climate crisis.
A renewed commitment to health equity will be the key to addressing future health challenges globally and in Tanzania, said the statement. ■
