Post 2015 Health Movement

Nyerere the first President and father of Our Nation labeled three enemies for this country; these were; Ignorance, poverty and diseases. To fight these enemies Mwalimu introduced several strategies; Socialism and Self reliance, Universal Primary Education and free access of health services to all to mention among the few. By 1986 91% of all Tanzanian were able to read and write, and the health services network although not very efficient was all over the country. These were among very great achievements in a young Nation like Tanzania. Following changes in the world Economic policies the country was drug to the social and economic reforms in late 1980s to early 1990s. The reforms disrupted our priorities and put market decisions on top of everything. The government lost control in many things and the market price controlled our education, economic strategies and our fight against diseases (health sector). The disease burden increased steadily with the growth of population while the literacy level went down. By 2012 only 69% of Tanzanians were able to read and write which is 22% less compared to 1986. The top priority in the country has been agriculture for many years post reform, surprisingly the sector has not performed well, it is documented that out of 29 millions hectares of arable land suitable for agriculture only 0.25 millions hectares are currently used for agriculture. We agree that agriculture employ majority of the Tanzanians, however educated and healthier people can drive better the agricultural sector and therefore boost our economy. Therefore in that line of thinking we, health professionals applaud with Edward Ngoyayi Lowasa that Elimu, Afya and Agriculture and Poverty reduction are the most important agenda to drive the nation forward in that order. Health being one of the priorities energizes us to support this movement of Edward Ngoyayi Lowasa among his attributes. Health sector is overwhelmed by many challenges that jeopardize the quality of health of the population which in other way affects economic productivity. Poor health or ill-health health is associated with increased sick leaves and absenteeism in places of work and schools. It is in line with a Swahili saying, ‘ mtaji wa masikini ni nguvu zake mwenyewe’ . Therefore if we have unhealthy population compounded with illiteracy the agriculture sector and other sectors that drive the economy will be stagnated. In health sector as there are many challenges our top priorities are put at the following main areas;
Availability of quality, safe, efficacy and appropriate medicines, supplies and technologies become the number one priority in health sector. Ensuring financial protection and avoid catastrophic expenditure in health care services among the poor Tanzanians becomes the second top most priority. Human Resource for Health (HRH) is the driver of the health system and hence become the third top most priority. It is from availability of well trained and motivated HRH where the health sector goals can be realized. Good governance is necessary in ensuring realization of the three priorities above. It should be reinforced by a strong political will and proper working health information system (HIS). The HIS will ensure availability of accurate and reliable information for evidence based decision making and implementation processes. With these priorities we therefore strongly believe that it is through the leadership of Edward Ngoyayi Lowasa our dreams and those of the Tanzanians at large will be realized.