Dear Partners, Stakeholders, and Friends

As we welcome 2025, I take a moment to celebrate not just what we achieved, but who we became along the way, that is a Foundation that continues to break barriers, build solutions, and inspire hope. This past year has been a testament to what can be achieved through bold initiatives, strategic collaborations, and unwavering dedication to equitable healthcare for all. As we move forward into 2025, our focus remains firmly on expanding our sustainable impact.

One of the most significant challenges we are continuously addressing is the Human Resource for Health (HRH) crisis, both nationally and globally. Recognizing the urgency of the issue, BMF prioritized systematic improvements to HRH management in Tanzania’s public health sector. Through collaborative planning with government stakeholders and data-driven decision-making, we successfully recruited and deployed over 397 healthcare workers to underserved areas, ensuring equitable access to skilled professionals across the country. Additionally, we continued to manage over 2,516 healthcare workers, strengthening the resilience of our health systems and aligning workforce capacity with public health priorities.

In a groundbreaking move to empower Tanzanian healthcare professionals on a global scale, we launched the International Recruitment Program, which connects skilled health workers with international markets. Since its inception, BMF in collaboration with the Government of United Republic of Tanzania has facilitated the recruitment of 240 nurses to Saudi Arabia, with further consultations underway with additional countries. This initiative not only creates job opportunities but also fosters professional growth and skills exchange, paving the way for enhanced quality of care within Tanzania in the long term.

Equity in access to quality healthcare was another area of focus whereas in partnership with the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar, BMF supported the comprehensive recategorization of primary healthcare facilities. This initiative has optimized resource allocation, improved service delivery, and enhanced patient outcomes, demonstrating our commitment to making primary healthcare the cornerstone of universal health coverage.

Our collaboration with Private Bank further strengthened healthcare delivery through the Mkapa Fellowship Scholarship program, which provided diploma-level training in nurse midwifery to 50 nurses in Morogoro. By leveraging partnerships with private sector entities, we ensured that healthcare workers are better equipped to meet the evolving demands of modern healthcare.

Community health remains a vital pillar of our efforts. Working alongside the government and various NGOs, BMF played a central role in developing and rolling out the National Integrated Community Health Worker Program. In 2024, we supported the training of 4,250 community health workers (CHWs) across five regions of Tanzania. These CHWs are instrumental in delivering preventive and basic curative services, bridging critical gaps in community-based healthcare.

We are also stepping into a critical role in enhancing Tanzania’s engagement with global health security initiatives. Our efforts will focus on aligning with the Global Health Security Agenda by addressing international health regulations, participating in the Universal Health and Preparedness Review (UHPR), addressing joint external evaluation recommendations, and implementing climate-resilient strategies to strengthen health security systems. By supporting the development of HRH policies that address global health security challenges, we aim to build a resilient workforce capable of responding to emerging health threats and pandemics.

As we turn our attention to 2025, addressing the HRH crisis remains a core priority. Building on the resolutions from the 2024 HRH Conference and Mkapa Legacy Summit, we will intensify efforts to enhance the employability of skilled health professionals within the country and internationally.

Furthermore, sustainability and innovation will guide our efforts. We are committed to expanding partnership models by deepening collaborations with Government, development partners and private sector stakeholders. These partnerships will enable us to design and implement innovative programs that create jobs, strengthen human capital, and advance universal health coverage. By exploring innovative financing models that leverage private sector investments, we aim to ensure financial sustainability for HRH development and foster shared responsibility for advancing national health priorities.

As we embark on this new chapter, I am reminded of the collective strength that drives our mission. Together, we will continue to push boundaries, innovate, and deliver transformative healthcare solutions.

Thank you for trusting us, partnering with us, and inspiring us. Let’s make 2025 a year of even greater transformation. Happy New Year!