Non-State Actors Plea for More COVID-19 Engagement
Admin
June 24, 2021
Non-State Actors (NSAs) have requested the Government of Tanzania to integrate emerging disease in the routine health system and services as among several thresholds of actions to strengthen health sectors to respond to a pandemic such as COVID-19.
Presenting recommendations to the government at a dialogue meeting with PORALG in Dodoma, NSAs Chairperson Dr. Ellen Mkondya-Senkoro, said the Government has a role in strengthening and activating Rapid Response teams at regional and district levels, prevention, treatment, and surveillance.
” In the anticipation for the third wave of COVID-19 and COVID 19 vaccine, we need to fortify our focus in highly populated areas of the country, at the borders and neighboring districts where we have observed a high number of COVID-19 infections,” said Dr. Ellen, also the CEO of Mkapa Foundation.
The meeting held on 14th June 2021 comprised various health organization heads in Tanzania, including CEOs, Country Directors, and Chief of Parties.
NSAs commended H.E. President Samia Suluhu Hassan for taking a leading role in addressing the COVID-19 and establishing a committee of experts to offer professional advice. The committee has since completed and submitted the report with recommendations to President for further action. Dr. Ellen said NSAs are enthusiastic about participating in the implementation of action plans outlined in the report.
“We are appealing for an active and meaningful engagement and discussion with the Government on the pillars towards a better health system, especially on the community level where we are more based,” continued Dr. Ellen.
On their part, NSAs promised to offer technical and financial technical assistance through donor funding to support and run programs at the national, community and facility levels.
Dr. Ellen commended PORALG for extending an invitation to NSAs and reviving the dialogue and acknowledged its importance, saying the platform will enable NSAs to bring ideas and their voice heard.
Looking forward to future dialogue, NSAs requested incorporating the Ministry of Health, Community Development, Gender, Elderly and Children, as the sectorial ministry to improve coordination and shared understanding of critical issues in the health sector.
