Overview
Tanzania is a resource strained country with a weak healthcare system which is challenged by high maternal mortality, child mortality, HIV/AIDS, pneumonia, and malaria. Tanzania’s population also has some of the lowest rates of access to health personnel in the world. Over 60% of Tanzania healthcare facilities are run by the government with the rest being either faith-based or private. As the country, Tanzania is progressing towards universal healthcare, in 2020/2021 the government allocated $387.9 million for the health sector of which $155.5 million will be spent on development projects, which would help the government to implement its health improving initiatives. The sector has been allocated TZS 1,109billion in 2022/2023.
Healthcare financing is complimented by international donors who contribute up to 40% of the health budget. The US government, through USAID and CDC, contribute significantly to programs that assist the Tanzania government. Health insurance coverage is still low with only 32% of Tanzanians as of 2019 covered by health insurance. Of that number, only 1% are members of private health insurance.
The Government of Tanzania in 2022/23 budget has identified some of the following issues which will be of great importance or priority; Strengthening the delivery of vaccines for children under age of five; and strengthening the quality of delivery of health services in the country
The government has called upon investors to establish pharmaceutical factories within the country. Health supplies, commodities and equipment comprise a significant portion of the pharmaceutical domestic development budget. However, firms operating locally will face several challenges such as need for skilled human resources, availability of modern technology and the ability to reach sufficient scale to compete with international suppliers.
Sub-Sector Best Prospects
- Establishment of pharmaceutical companies
- Training of healthcare personnel
- Establishment of primary healthcare services
- Supply of lab equipment
- Supply of medicines
- Establishment of diagnostic centers.
Opportunities
For specific information on current opportunities please visit the Medical Store Department website
Resources
United States Agency for International Development (USAID)
Ministry of Health, Community Development, Gender, Elderly and Children
World Health Organization (WHO)
Medical Stores Department (MSD)