AGGRESSIVENESS TOWARDS DEVELOPMENT OF UNDERSERVED REGIONS

The shortage of health workers in Tanzania has proven to be a critical obstacle to the provision of better health services in the underserved regions and country wide in general. As per the current statistics the critical of shortage of health workers is at 52% for all the health facilities in Tanzania. This situation is contributed by various factors inhabitant living environment which is caused by scarcity of resource i.e water, communication, housing, poor health infrastructure etc.

Dr. Mpoki M. Ulisubisya Permanent Secretary Ministry of Health to cuts the tape to officiating the handing over of 20 staff houses constructed by BMF holding the tape left is Dr. Ellen Mkondya-Senkoro, CEO of BMF

In addressing the challenges of critical shortage of health workers in Tanzania, the Benjamin W. Mkapa Foundation in collaboration with the Government of Tanzania through the Ministry of Health, Community Development, Gender, Elderly and Children have handed over 20 newly constructed staff houses on 21^st June 2016. This handing over ceremony which took place at Mungere dispensary in Monduli District was graced by Dr. Mpoki M. Ulisubisya, Permanent Secretary to Ministry of Health, Community Development, Gender, Elderly and Children and attended by representative from Arusha regional authority, Local Government Authority, BMF and villagers.

Addressing the invited guest, Dr. Mpoki said that the Government is making efforts in tackling the challenges of shortage of health workers in Tanzania. In responding to this challenge the Government has developed strategic plans such as National Health Sector Strategic Plan IV, Development Plan for Primary Health Care and National Human Resource for Health Strategic Plan. All this strategic plans aim at attracting and retaining skilled and qualified health workers to all health facilities in the country. Also in collaboration with BMF we are continuing to ensure the national goal of producing the required number of skilled and qualified health workers is achieved.

A front view of one of the houses that were handing over at a ceremony held on 21^st June 2016 in Mungere Dispensary, Monduli Districts.

He continues that in collaboration with BMF, the Government has improved various health policies and guidelines together with capacity building and training of health workers and managers to enable them provide better health services mainly on HIV/AIDs, maternal health and human resource for health.

Dr. Mpoki said that “This 20 newly constructed staff houses, have been constructed through health system strengthening project which is funded by Global Fund to fight against AIDs, Tuberculosis and Malaria. This houses which 10 are in Monduli district and 10 in Ngorongoro district have costed Tshs 1,078,525,240 equivalent to Tshs 53,929,262 per house”.

I urge that LGAs, to ensure the houses are proper utilized, well maintained, and to ensure availability of medicine, working tools, and equipment to the health facilities that have benefited today.

Maasai women present at award to Dr. Ellen Mkondya-Senkoro, CEO-BMF as a token of appreciation for the constructed staff houses

Dr. Ellen Mkondya-Senkoro, Chief Executive Officer notified the invited guest that these 20 houses are part of the total 480 houses which have been constructed country wide through health system strengthening project. Apart from constructing these house, BMF has provided scholarship to 35 Students studying allied science course in Arusha, we have recruited and hired 19 health workers who are providing services in government hospitals and health facilities.

She continues that 10 houses have been handed over to Moitabwawani, Lolkisale, Mfereji, Mungere and Engaruka health facilities located Monduli district. The other 10 to Engarresero, Oldonyosambu, Piyaya, Kakesio and Nainokanoka health facilities in Ngorongoro district.

The Maasai villagers dancing the traditional songs in joy during the staff house handing over ceremony held on 21^st June 2016 in Mengere Dispensary, Monduli District