In what is believed to be Africa’s first, the National Assembly of Tanzania has recently established a Parliamentary Alliance to spearhead One Health concepts in the fight against Antimicrobial Resistance. The initiative was launched on the 20th of June in Dodoma and will be a driving force toward healthier Tanzania with efforts intended to link human, animal, as well as environmental health
The strength of the alliance comes from the geographical contributing members and the diversified scientific fields. Dr. Joseph Kizito, the Chief Guest and Chairman of Tanzania’s Parliament, underscored the importance of this initiative. “These MPs are, therefore, in this together to advocate for One Health as a measure that will encourage the healthy and positive living of every Tanzanian and at the same time reducing the costs of medical bills. The One Health approach will help not only the government but even the entire nation to cut on the expenses incurred on health services.”
Considering One Health as a new concept in Tanzania, there is need to avoid bottlenecks that come with structural overlaps delaying implementation. The just mentioned approach Prof. Gabriel Shirima, COHESA Multiplier in Tanzania, noted that as a strategic move, One Health Tanzania will be based in office of the Prime Minister, which is the highest overseeing authority in the government. Given that it is a multi-sectorial approach and for efficiency, it was agreed that it be anchored at the highest possible office to eradicate issues of duplication which may arise from multi-sectorialism.
Anti Microbial Resistance (AMR) is a great threat to public health, and Tanzania is very much aware of this. Through One Health approach, the recently elected chair of the parliamentary alliance against AMR, MP Hamisi Kigwangala, is optimistic that the country can overcome the challenge. ‘One Health eliminates the replication of undertakings, helps present government efforts understandably, and helps address issues from different perspectives concurrently. This in turn help save resources for the government which can then be channelled to other sectors,’ he said.
Responding to the same, Dr. Margaret Karembu, Director of ISAAA Africenter, stated that awareness had to be extended among the parliamentarians. “It is most inspiring to witness some of the MPs leading the campaign of One Health now, we need to mobilize the rest of the MPs and train them on how to best communicate the One Health concept to the people since they will influence them,” she said.
Tanzania is leading the way among the 12 COHESA project target countries in Africa, becoming the first to establish a political alliance to promote One Health at both parliamentary and policy levels. This initiative sets a precedent for other nations, including Botswana, Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Rwanda, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Somalia, and Uganda, to follow suit.
The formation of this Parliamentary Alliance pivotal moment in Tanzania’s healthcare journey. By implementing One Health approach, Tanzania is not only solving the current problems but setting herself up for a sustainable and healthier future.