• Funded by the Pandemic Fund with WHO, UNICEF, and FAO support

• $25 million grant complemented by $13.7 million in cofinancing

• Initiative aims to build integrated health surveillance by 2027

The Tanzanian government, in partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, and the FAO, launched on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, the “Pandemic Fund Project,” a $38.7 million program designed to strengthen the country’s capacity to prevent, prepare for, and respond to health emergencies.

Backed by an initial $25 million grant from the Pandemic Fund and an additional $13.7 million in cofinancing and complementary investments, the project adopts the “One Health” approach, integrating human, animal, and environmental health.

At the launch ceremony, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy Doto Biteko emphasized the need for cross-sector collaboration to anticipate health crises. “We have experiences of battling Covid 19 and Marburg in recent years, hence strengthening our capacity to prevent and prepare for pandemic response and public health emergencies is not an option,” he said, reaffirming the government’s commitment to ensuring effective implementation.

#Tanzania today launched the @Pandemic_Fund Project, a bold step to strengthen the country’s capacity to prevent, prepare for & respond to future health emergencies.

Led by the Government , @wizara_afyatz with support from @WHO_Tanzania, @UNICEF_Tanzania & @FAOTanzania.… pic.twitter.com/krMx4nJNT1

— WHO Tanzania (@WHO_Tanzania) October 15, 2025

International partners welcomed the initiative, highlighting the importance of cooperation in advancing universal health coverage and strengthening veterinary services to prevent zoonotic disease transmission. They also underlined the crucial role of community health workers in the system.

Facing increasing risks from zoonotic and cross-border diseases, Tanzania aims to reinforce its surveillance network, diagnostic capacity, and health workforce. The program complements the National Action Plan for Health Security and seeks to reduce the impact of future epidemics, particularly on vulnerable populations.

By 2027, the country aims to establish an integrated, fully operational surveillance and response system capable of detecting and containing epidemic and pandemic threats effectively.