Hotuba ya Mhe. Ummy Mwalimu – Waziri wa Afya Tanzania.

It is my great honor and distinct privilege to provide a keynote speech on commemoration of the great statesman, former President of United Republic of Tanzania, the late, Benjamin William Mkapa. Everyone here understand Mkapa’s indefatigable work and  reputation as a economic reformer  and his work on giving wider space in the private sector and privatization of  Public  Institutions which were mal-functioning and those which had already collapsed. Additionally, among many achievements in fighting poverty, he introduced a system of dialogue between the Government and the Private Sector to support his vision on socio-economic development.

Ladies and gentlemen, Mr.Mkapa leaves behind a stellar legacy. He  was a consummate politician and a leader who understood the power of private sector  and knew that his country would need the support of private sector and the international community as it sought to build an inclusive economy, with better services for all Tanzanians. In that regard, the themes on these panel on ‘Innovative Public- Private Partnerships (PPP) approaches towards attaining Universal Health Coverage’  and the other one on ‘Accelerating Strategic Health Transformation in Tanzania through Business Coalition for Health’ align with the philosophy and desire of the late, President Mkapa.

Distinguished participants, after leaving the public service, Mkapa ambitious for UHC led the establishment of the Mkapa Foundation that so far, has reached millions of Tanzanians focusing on  improving rural health services, health and wellbeing of women, men and children including the ones living with and affected by HIV and AIDS, pregnant mothers and many others. ..we are all here to reflect this remarkable achievement.

Ladies and gentlemen, as you are all aware, governments across the world are very keen on using PPPs to deliver infrastructure and services, in order to find more ways to meet the huge demand for financing and delivery of quality services. I understand we have panelists here who will discuss in details Tanzania efforts and approaches towards PPP, , Business Coalition for Health and  private sector participation to accelerate quality health services for all Tanzanians.

Specifically on panel one session we have MoH permanent secretary or his representative who I believe will share Tanzanians “enabling environment” to attract private investment development through a solid legal and regulatory framework, establishment of a dedicated PPP unit, and creation of a mechanism for the government to provide financial assistance to PPP projects. Additionally, Dr. Nyanga will share the same perspective on the Zanzibar side and Ms. Hoodan Adou  will highlight a UN perspective towards achieving UHC. I am also delighted that Dr. Ogilo is here and will share a private sector perspective in this regard.

I am also delighted that on panel two my counterpart, Hon. Nassor Ahmed Mazrui,  Minister for  Health-Zanzibar will share insights on Business Coalition for Health as a strategic approach for accelerating access and quality of health services. I also recognize the presence of Preeti Arora  who will share World Bank perspective on private sector involvement and human capital development initiatives together with Ms. Mwamvita Makamba and Chief Executive Officer, Agakhan Health Services Tanzania,  Mr. Sisawo Konteh who will share with us a journey towards a successful hospital business model 

Distinguished participants, While PPPs are gaining a solid foothold, it is also true that there are a lot of impediments and challenges. Although each country has its specific context and issues, we believe that four key areas will make them even more effective:

• Comprehensive policy, legal and institutional frameworks that provide clear guidelines and procedures for development and implementation of PPPs
• Good coordination among government agencies is key to attract private investors on effective delivery of health services.
• Realistic and comprehensive technical, socio-economic, and commercial feasibility analysis which leads to PPP investments in poor and underserved communities at all levels
• Engage private sector in health project finance, a model that has shown success in many countries all over the world

I believe, these two panel sessions, will inform and expedite the development of health sector specific guidelines and framework for managing implementation of PPP in Tanzania – a mechanism for realizing UHC

Ladies and gentlemen, In closing, I would like once again to thank the Mkapa foundation for their work in arranging this symposium. I’m sure it will be a very good opportunity to share the latest knowledge, experience, and best practices of PPPs, and I would like to wish you all a very productive time here in Zanzibar. I look forward to meeting many of you and sharing in fruitful discussions that will help us all to further promote PPPs. Because UHC is an attainable and much-needed goal, and the time to achieve it is now!!!

May Mkapa’s  spirit of serving live within us forever…

Thank you.