Where to tap ideas for TZ’s drug industry

I am a believer in the reality that science facts can transform lives, if only they are tested, put into policy and then applied. But, how do we tap into these ideas to develop Tanzania’s drug sector?

In the field of medicine or rather health, here in Tanzania, we have academicians, researchers, innovators and investors without forgetting the policymakers on one hand, yet, the need to put these minds together cannot be overemphasised.

Let’s begin by looking at the challenge that we, as a country have ahead of us. In Tanzania, the demand for pharmaceutical production remains high but local pharmaceutical firms do not exceed 6.

Given that, as a country we have decided to focus on building a middle income economy by 2025 through industrialisation.

There is need to invest in taking our medical science, business expertise and influence to the level of open discussions that can inform policy.

That way, we would be able to fulfil Tanzania’s Development Vision.

As a medical scientist, I know that our role has always been to think on how to produce the best possible evidence. Then, policymakers use our evidence in complex policymaking system.

I well understand that, we medical scientists, may have our own ideas on how to turn around things but we have no ability to impose these choices on policymakers. The best we can do is put our minds together with the policymakers through engagement.

That’s why we need to sit together and engage. That’s how we can be able to tap into brains that can later help the country achieve its agenda on industrialisation.

Tomorrow, here in Dar es Salaam, stakeholders—from public and private sector, will convene for the 5th Tanzania Health Summit (THS). I consider this the moment to unleash the solutions.

There is a lot of political will to develop the drug sector in Tanzania. We also have a president who has shown political will.

If players—from the science and non-science community—come together and focus on using the right knowledge and approaches, plus the growing enthusiasm that I can see out there to invest in local pharmaceutical production, we then, indeed have where to start from.

During the Tanzania Health Summit (THS), we can address the challenges ahead, combining all our expertise from multi-disciplinary sectors and ponder on solutions and best approaches.

Our ministers, both from health and industry have talents in their area. It’s a moment to use ministers’ power, prowess and talent and combine it with with the researchers’ point of view as we ponder on how to reach the end users.

A report in 2016, titled: ‘Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Decline in Tanzania: How Possible Is a Turnaround to Growth?’, it actually said, “It requires a change of mind-set for policy makers in Tanzania to turn to prioritising and actively engaging in selective support of the sector.

I usually like citing this report given that it hits on the point that Tanzania has recently been focusing on.

Local investors had expressed their intention to put up local drug factories as the government gets set to implement the National Pharmaceutical Sector Strategy, which is expected to ease for local investors.

In parliament, the 2018/19 budget read mid this year, showed the desire to revamp the sector and the early signs of implementing the pharmaceutical sector strategy.

That’s why I do believe that it’s the right time to put heads together and unleash solutions by tapping into brains of medical scientists, innovators and policymakers - all for a common good.